UN Expands Blacklist of Companies Linked to Israeli Settlements

The UN Human Rights Office has updated its database of companies involved in business activities related to Israeli settlements in the "occupied Palestinian territory," including the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The latest update, released Friday, adds 61 new entities to the list, bringing the total to 214 companies and organizations from 11 countries. Five previously listed companies were removed.

Among the newly added Israeli companies are major players like Tnuva, Netafim, and Africa Israel, alongside well-known brands such as Aroma Espresso Bar, Burger Ranch, and Carmel Winery. The list also includes companies involved in agriculture, energy, transportation, and logistics. International firms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and TripAdvisor remain on the updated list, as do Israeli banks like Hapoalim, Leumi, Discount, and Mizrahi Tefahot.

The database, established in 2020 following a mandate from the UN Human Rights Council, was last updated in 2023. This latest review examined 126 companies, focusing on sectors including agriculture, transportation, waste management, and hospitality. For the first time, the update categorizes companies based on their level of involvement: causing, contributing to, or having a direct link to negative impacts on the right to self-determination. Of the 214 entities, 200 are categorized as contributing to negative impacts, and 14 have a direct link, with no companies listed under the "causing" category.

Israeli officials strongly condemned the update, labeling the database a "political tool" and a "distorted mechanism" used to promote a smear campaign against legitimate businesses. They argue the list unfairly targets companies operating legally and could encourage economic boycotts. The US, which opposes the database, is reportedly consulting on how to present the list at the UN Human Rights Council on September 28th. The UN Human Rights Chief, Volker Türk, stated the report aims to remind companies of their human rights responsibilities and the need for due diligence.

The full list and official update are scheduled for presentation at the UN Human Rights Council on September 28. The UN Human Rights Office noted that its review of additional companies is ongoing, suggesting further updates may follow.