Saudis: Israel not only malevolent, it's malignant too

It was only a matter of time before this slander against Israel was added to the list. From the good folks who brought you Wahabhism, separate roads for muslims and non-muslims, laws prohibiting women from driving, and, famously, the ban on "Jewish people" entering the Kingdom.

Israeli products are cancerous, Saudis say

Did you know that Israelis ignore their own manufacturing standards when producing goods destined for Arab/Muslim countries. Well, that's what Saudi trade officials are telling their people. They've issued warnings against what they claim to be cancerous products made in Israel that are allegedly being smuggled into the kingdom, according to a report from The Media Line.

The Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry said smugglers are bringing in the products through Djibouti, Yemen and Somalia. The chamber was urging importers and traders to be watchful regarding this merchandise.

The products include pesticides, agricultural fertilizers, children's toys, canned foods, perfumes, cigarettes, juices and candy.

Last month the Saudi Interior Ministry said it had information that smugglers on the coastal areas of the Arabian Peninsula were bringing in illegal and fake products from Israel, China and Taiwan. Many Chinese products sold in North America have been found to be tainted and/or poisonous, including pet food and some children's toys.

Saudi authorities were asking importers to take the necessary steps to stop Israeli products from entering the kingdom.

An unnamed official from the Israeli trade industry told The Media Line that the rumors of carcinogenic products being smuggled from Israel into Saudi Arabia were “improbable.”

“Every so often we see reports of this kind in the Saudi media. I believe it’s part of the Saudi demonization of relations with Israel,” the source said.

Israel’s exports to the kingdom are estimated to be on a fairly small scale, perhaps a few dozen million dollars. These products are usually transferred to Saudi Arabia through third countries where they are repackaged and rebranded.

Israeli products sought after in Saudi Arabia include agricultural products, computer chips, hi-tech, desalination technology, irrigation equipment and security systems.

The Israeli official said the allegation was most unlikely, since Israel’s manufacturing standards would prohibit dangerous materials in any product. “We make sure no products are manufactured that endanger the Israeli consumer so this claim is unfounded,” the source said.

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