AN ANTI-Israel attack on a CBD chocolate shop has seen 19 protesters arrested and three police injured.

Members of Socialist Alternative demonstrated at the Max Brenner chocolate and coffee store in Melbourne's QV on Friday because they said the Jewish-owned franchise company had aided the Israeli Army.

Thirteen men and six women were taken into custody after an altercation with police, with 16 charged and bailed. Charges included assaulting police, riotous behaviour, besetting premises and trespass.

Jewish Labor MP Michael Danby called the protest stupid.

"These people are prejudiced fanatics who should look into their soul," he said. "While 1500 people are murdered in Syria, they launch their own sad little attack on a chocolate shop because it also has stores in Israel."

Through the Socialist Alternative website, rally organiser Salem Nassar said protesters heard about Palestinian oppression and "ongoing ethnic cleansing" before clashing with police.

"People were making speeches about the daily attacks that Palestinians endure ... and scores who are killed every month at the hands of the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)," he wrote.

"All of a sudden, some special operations-type group rushed into the area. They began by targeting the people with megaphones and pushing people to the ground."

No protesters were injured in the scuffle, but three police officers were left with minor injuries.

Socialist Alternative took part in the protest with the Coalition Against Israeli Apartheid, because Max Brenner's Israeli parent company, Strauss Group, had publicly supported the IDF.

The owners of Max Brenner could not be contacted for comment.

sMr Danby has recently stoushed with fresh Greens senator Lee Rhiannon, who broke ranks to back a boycott of Israel.

Senator Rhiannon advocated imposing trade sanctions against Israel before taking her seat on July 1, citing Palestinian human rights issues as a cause for action.

Bob Brown later hosed the comments down, saying his opinion differed with Rhiannon's on the issue.

Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd weighed in on the proposed boycott, describing the idea as "nuts".