6 hrs ago
UN Expands Database of Companies Linked to Israeli Settlements
The United Nations keeps a list of companies connected to Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
The UN considers those settlements illegal, while Israel says the West Bank is disputed territory.
On Friday, the UN added 61 companies, bringing the list to 214.
The companies work in areas such as farming, transportation, hotels, energy and food.
Some companies were included because the UN said their services may help settlements operate.
Israel said the list unfairly targets the country.
One Spanish company said it was surprised to be included and denied being properly informed.
Other companies were removed after the UN decided they no longer met its criteria.
The list could lead to boycotts or investment withdrawals against the companies.
The United Nations added 61 companies to its database of firms operating in Israeli West Bank settlements.
The database now lists 214 companies, mostly Israeli, alongside firms from 10 other countries.
New additions include ADAMA, Alony Hetz and Spain’s Salvat Logistica.
Israel says the database unfairly vilifies companies and is designed to pressure and persecute Israel.
Several companies challenged or left the list, including eDreams and Opodo after reassessment requests.
- Who
- The United Nations human rights office, Israeli officials, Palestinian representatives and companies connected to West Bank settlements.
- What
- The UN added 61 companies to a database of firms it considers involved in activities linked to Israeli settlements.
- Where
- The West Bank and the United Nations human rights office in Geneva.
- When
- Friday, September 25.
- Why
- The UN said some companies support activities that violate Palestinians’ right to self-determination and help maintain settlements.
United Nations and Palestinian position
Israeli government and company concerns
Status of the settlements
United Nations and Palestinian position
The UN considers Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal and says companies involved in supporting them may contribute to violations of Palestinians’ right to self-determination.
Israeli government and company concerns
Israel views the West Bank as disputed rather than occupied and says companies working there may be operating legally.
Purpose of the database
United Nations and Palestinian position
The UN says it assessed companies against criteria concerning their involvement in settlement-related activities and gave firms an opportunity to respond.
Israeli government and company concerns
Israel says the database is a distorted mechanism created by a body with an automatic majority against Israel and intended to persecute the country.
Individual company listings
United Nations and Palestinian position
The UN said Salvat Logistica was contacted and allowed to respond, while eDreams and Opodo were removed after reassessment showed they no longer met the criteria.
Israeli government and company concerns
Salvat said its inclusion was surprising and entirely inconsistent with the facts; Expedia has said its settlement-area listings were labelled, lawful and subject to enhanced due diligence.
Key facts
- Database size
- 214 companies after 61 additions.
- Companies’ origins
- Most are from Israel; others come from 10 additional countries, including France, Germany, China, the United States and Spain.
- Sectors assessed
- Energy, food, hospitality, transport and agriculture.
- UN criteria
- Activities including supplying demolition equipment, providing settlement surveillance or offering services that help settlements continue operating.
- Companies added
- ADAMA, Alony Hetz and Salvat Logistica were among the new entries.
- Companies removed
- Opodo and eDreams were dropped after reassessment requests.
- Potential consequences
- Listed companies could face boycott or divestment campaigns.
Quotes
Israel’s diplomatic mission
Israel’s diplomatic mission, which criticized the UN database
“This is a distorted mechanism — created by a deeply flawed body with an automatic majority against Israel”
theprint.in
Sources
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