UN expands list of firms involved in illegal Israeli settlement activities

Key Points:

• The United Nations human rights office has added 61 companies to its database of businesses involved in activities linked to illegal Israeli settlements, bringing the total to 214 companies from 11 countries.
• Companies are included based on engagement in prohibited activities such as facilitating settlement construction, supplying surveillance equipment, and providing banking or utility services in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.
• The UN requires reasonable grounds to believe a company is involved in these activities, a standard lower than that of criminal courts, and companies are given 60 days to respond after being contacted.
• Notable additions include Spanish firm Salvat Logistica and Israeli real estate company Alony Hetz, joining previously listed companies like Expedia, Airbnb, and Motorola.
• Israeli settlements are deemed illegal under international law, with the International Court of Justice ruling in July 2024 that Israel must cease establishing new settlements and withdraw from occupied Palestinian territories, though the ruling is advisory and not legally binding.