UN Database Now Lists 214 Companies Linked to Israeli Settlements

The United Nations Human Rights Office has added 61 companies to its database of businesses linked to Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, bringing the total number of companies on the list to 214.

The companies operate across sectors including energy, food, hospitality, transport and agriculture. Most are Israeli firms, while others are based in countries including France, Germany, China, Spain and the United States.

Among the newly listed companies are Israeli pesticide manufacturer ADAMA, which is part of China-owned Syngenta Group, Israeli real estate investment company Alony Hetz, and Spain-based Salvat Logistica.

The UN database was first established in 2020. It identifies companies that the UN says are involved in activities connected to Israeli settlements and that may contribute to violations of Palestinians' right to self-determination.

According to the UN, examples include providing demolition equipment used against Palestinian buildings, surveillance services for settlements and transport or other services that help maintain settlement activities.

Israel has rejected the database, arguing that it unfairly targets companies operating legally. Israel's diplomatic mission described the mechanism as distorted and accused the UN body responsible for it of being biased against Israel.

The UN also removed several companies from the database following reassessments. Among them are British-registered online travel company Opodo and Spanish-based online travel agency eDreams, after the UN determined that there were reasonable grounds to believe they were no longer involved in activities that had previously justified their inclusion.

The development comes amid increased international attention to Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank and rising attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians. Britain, France and Canada announced measures this month restricting imports from Israeli settlements.

Palestinians regard the West Bank as part of a future independent state, while Israel considers the territory disputed rather than occupied.

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