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Did Airbnb backtrack on blacklisting Judea and Samaria?

While Israel’s Minister of Tourism Yariv Levin claims Airbnb management is walking back its boycott, the service itself denies this step.

By JNS and World Israel News Staff

According to Israel’s Minister of Tourism Yariv Levin, Airbnb backtracked on its decision last month to blacklist properties in Judea and Samaria.

The purported move comes after Levin reportedly talked with management from the online hospitality service in Jerusalem on Monday.

“Airbnb has informed us that its decision not to list homes in the West Bank will not be enacted,” Levin said in a statement, adding that it is an “important step in the right direction.”

Airbnb, however, issued a statement declaring, “The reports issued earlier today are inaccurate,” Times of Israel reported.

The statement continues in an unclear vein, stating: “Airbnb expressed its unequivocal rejection of the BDS movement and communicated its commitment to develop its business in Israel, enabling more tourists from around the world to enjoy the wonders of the country and its people.”

The statement continued. “We are here to meet with a variety of stakeholders and as a result of our meetings have an even deeper understanding that this is an incredibly complex and emotional issue. Airbnb communicated that we are developing the tools needed to implement our policy and that process includes continuing our dialogue with the Government of Israel and other stakeholders.”