Why does Gap deliver to Arab states but not Israel?

Clothing retailer's US website allows private customers to purchase unique items via internet, delivers to 50 countries around the world - including Jordan and Kuwait, but not Israel

While Gap has opened its first stores in Israel this year, its online sales website does not cater to customers in the country. An internet fashion consumer recently protested the fact that the clothing giant allows the residents of other Middle Eastern countries to purchase items via its website but not customers from Israel.

"The Gap/ Banana Republic/ Old Navy brand allows online orders of clothes to 50 countries on its US website, a list in which Israel is not included," he claimed. "This, while our neighbors can order whatever they please, including items sold exclusively online which are not offered in stores. Is it because Gap has opened branches in Israel? I don’t think so, there are Gap stores in Britain as well, which is included in the delivery list. If I am not mistaken Gap has branches in the Persian Gulf too."

It should be noted that the consumer's request is not that the Israeli holder of Gap rights launch a local sales website, but rather to be allowed the option to purchase items off the US website, which delivers unique pieces to many customers around the world.

The question is why is there no option to deliver clothes to private customers residing in Israel from the US, as is permitted to private customers in other countries around the world including Bahrain,Jordan, Egypt,

Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Elbit Trade & Retail, the holder of Gap rights in Israel said in response: "We are currently reviewing online sales to Israel and assume that a course of action will be decided on in the coming weeks. The online sales issue is one that pertains purely to commercial and logistical aspects."