Governor Greg Abbott sharply condemned a proposed resolution by the San Marcos City Council on Monday, calling it “antisemitic” and threatening to pull state funding if the measure moves forward.
In a letter addressed to San Marcos officials, Abbott accused the city of openly defying Texas law with a proposal that reportedly expresses support for boycotting Israel. Though the resolution has not yet been formally adopted, the governor warned that any endorsement of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement — which seeks to pressure Israel over its policies toward Palestinians — would violate existing state statutes.
“Israel is a stalwart ally of the United States and a friend to Texas,” Abbott wrote. “I have repeatedly made clear that Texas will not tolerate antisemitism.”
Abbott’s letter directly cited a 2017 Texas law prohibiting government entities from engaging in or supporting boycotts of Israel and his own 2023 executive order fighting antisemitism in higher education. The governor’s office is reviewing all active grant agreements with San Marcos to determine if the city has breached compliance laws.
If San Marcos passes the antisemitism resolution, Abbott said his office will “immediately terminate all active grants not in compliance with state law,” according to a press release.
Abbott’s response reflects his office’s pro-Israel stance amidst ongoing global tensions following Hamas’s attack on Israeli civilians in October 2023.
“Over a year ago, following Hamas’s cowardly attack and campus disruptions openly celebrating terrorism, I issued an executive order addressing antisemitism in higher education. I have proudly signed legislation prohibiting government entities from supporting efforts to boycott, divest from, and sanction Israel. That remains the law here,” Abbott added.
Since the October Hamas attack, Abbott’s office has directed over $4 million in security funding to Jewish organizations, ordered all state agencies to cut any purchases linked to the Gaza Strip or Hamas affiliates, issued a statewide directive to lower flags in honor of Israeli victims, and promoted educational resources about the Israel-Hamas war for Texas students.
San Marcos officials have not responded to the governor’s letter as of press time.