Boris Johnson, mayor of London, conservative MP and possible future Prime Ministerial material, is leading a delegation of commercial leaders this week to Israel and the Palestinian territories.

His Monday morning in Tel Aviv was a great success for the locals. And that should come as no surprise. Bilateral trade between the two countries has grown consistently for over a decade. And Israeli companies have raised over $3.0bn in London financial markets in the past two years alone.

As Johnson himself said at a function: “Why would you – of all the countries in the region – why would you boycott the one which is actually a functioning democracy and a pluralist, open society…. the most vibrant?” And when interviewed on Britain’s Channel 4 news, Johnson referred to an academic boycott of Israel as ‘foolish’.

Johnson is not alone, both in his perception of how Israel and UK can work together and how BDS is an impediment to peace. Jan Koum, founder of WattsApp, tweeted his objection to BDS this week. Lord Robert Winston, IVF Pioneer. was similarly emphatic in his words, when receiving an honourary doctorate at the Weizman Institute from the British ambassador to Israel.

For all these announcements, this is also the week, when the EU is insisting on invoking its policy that products manufactured in the Palestinian territories are no  longer considered as Israeli, and thus must be labeled accordingly. Israeli officialdom has reacted angrily, noting that there are dozens of political – military conflicts around the globe. Yet in not one other incidence has the EU taken such an aggressive and one-sided approach.

Will this European move help the peace process? According to the respected journalist Danny Rubinstein, there may be about 1,000 manufacturing Israeli enterprises in the Palestinian territories. Many have parts made elsewhere and thus beat the regulations that way. A few, like Sodastream have left the area, thus leaving dozens of Palestinians unemployed. As for the rest, very few export…. and some are improving their packaging, which will actually help sales.

Just for the record, Palestinians employed in Israeli West Bank factories must by law receive all social benefits, such as national insurance as per any other worker in Israel. These are far more generous than those of the Palestinian Authority. In fact, however measured, their wages overall are much higher than their counterparts in Ramallah etc.

Johnson’s visit is all about building links with new partners. Prosperity increases the chances of peace. While the attention is on the London- Tel Aviv – Ramallah axis, this week Israel signed an agreement with Jordan. A new joint industrial zone will be built. “The Jordan Gate” will be supported by the construction of a new bridge to link the two sides. Is that the most interesting lesson for all in this time of heightened tensions?