An investigation by Al Jazeera has found that at least 17 companies linked to Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank hold 125 UK public-sector contracts worth more than £2.1 billion ($2.85 billion).
The companies include firms connected to Motorola Solutions, Heidelberg Materials, Egis, CAF and Fosun International. Their contracts cover areas such as road maintenance, transport, emergency services and driving-licensing services.
The investigation comes as more than 140 UK Labour MPs call for a ban on trade with Israeli settlements, which are considered illegal under international law.
According to procurement data reviewed by Al Jazeera, companies ultimately controlled by Motorola Solutions account for the largest share, with contracts worth about £1.73 billion. Its British subsidiary, Airwave Solutions, holds a major £1.56 billion Home Office contract to provide secure communications for police, fire and ambulance services across England, Scotland and Wales.
Heidelberg Materials has also secured about £184.8 million in UK public contracts. Its Israeli subsidiary previously operated the Nahal Raba quarry in the occupied West Bank, although the company says it ceased operations there in 2023.
French engineering company Egis has UK public contracts worth about £133.6 million. The company has also been involved in Jerusalem's light-rail network, which connects parts of occupied East Jerusalem with West Jerusalem and Israeli settlements.
Spanish train manufacturer CAF is involved in the expansion of Jerusalem's light-rail system, a project expected to continue until 2027. In Britain, it has an £83.5 million contract to supply trams for the West Midlands Metro.
Chinese conglomerate Fosun International is linked through its subsidiary to Israeli cosmetics company Ahava, which has operated in the Mitzpe Shalem settlement. A Fosun-linked company, Breas Medical, holds UK public-sector contracts worth about £1.29 million.
Professor Stephen Humphreys of the London School of Economics said the findings raise questions about whether the UK is meeting its international legal obligations.
The International Court of Justice ruled in July 2024 that Israel's continued presence in the occupied Palestinian territory is unlawful and said other states should not provide assistance that helps maintain the situation.
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn accused the UK government of deepening its economic involvement with Israel's occupation.
The UK Cabinet Office, however, said individual public authorities decide whether to exclude suppliers on a case-by-case basis and that public procurement should not generally be used to boycott companies linked to other countries unless formal UK sanctions, embargoes or restrictions are in place.
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