The aim of the boycott, motivated by historical enmity for Judaism, was to block the development of the Jewish state. Its extension to third parties doing business with Israel and to Jews, defined as "sympathizers with Israel, " has led to an infusion of antisemitism into business practices in many countries. Since the oil crisis of 1973, and the banking scandal of 1975 in which Jewish-owned banks in France and England were excluded from participation in international loan syndications, the USA has taken measures, including legislation, against the boycott, followed by France, Canada, the Netherlands, and Norway. The support of Saudi Arabia and the weakness of many governments ensures, however, that the boycott will continue.

A study of the Arab economic boycott of Israel. This title includes the evolution and development of the boycott, and examines aspects such as theory, practice and legality of the longest-lasting example of economic sanctions in the 20th century.