Palestine Mission in UK Applauds Israeli Pension Selling of Assets

The Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) has recently sold Israeli assets worth a reported £80 million ($100 million) due to a “principled policy” that prioritizes financial considerations. The decision was welcomed by the Palestinian Mission to the UK and various advocacy groups, including the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Friends of Al-Aqsa.

Despite external pressure and concerns related to Israel’s actions, USS emphasized that the divestment was based on financial grounds rather than political reasons or ethical considerations. The pension scheme clarified that it had not “excluded Israel from our investment portfolio,” as reported in the media.

This move, seen as a significant step by supporters of the Palestine solidarity movement, comes amidst ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Despite diverse stakeholder views on responsible investment, USS reiterated its commitment to prioritizing the financial interests of its members and beneficiaries.

Looking ahead, USS aims to navigate future investment decisions while considering both financial risks and broader responsible investment matters, signaling a continued focus on achieving peace in the region while fulfilling its legal duty to ensure the best outcomes for its stakeholders.