Israel Slams UN 'Blacklist' of Companies Linked to Settlements

Israel has launched a sharp condemnation of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights following an update to its "blacklist" of companies involved in business activities related to Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The Israeli Foreign Ministry rejected the legitimacy of the database, asserting it was created for political reasons rather than genuine human rights concerns. Israel argues the list aims to harm the country and companies operating in disputed territories by exerting economic and international pressure.

The UN human rights office updated the database over the weekend, adding 61 new companies, bringing the total to 214 firms from 11 countries, predominantly Israeli but also including companies from the US, Germany, France, Spain, the Netherlands, China, and others. Five companies were removed after the UN determined there was no longer a reasonable basis to believe they were involved in the activities for which they were initially listed.

Israel's Foreign Ministry stated the database originated from the UN Human Rights Council, an body Israel accuses of systematic bias. Jerusalem contends that a mechanism specifically targeting business activities related to Israel proves it is not a neutral human rights tool. The ministry also criticized the process, claiming it relies on insufficiently transparent sources and information from politically motivated groups.

The statement included strong personal criticism of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, accusing him of expanding mechanisms focused on Israel during his tenure and turning his office into a tool for promoting boycotts. Israel called for his resignation, stating the institution has lost credibility under his leadership. This marks a significant escalation in Israel's tone towards Türk, who recently urged countries to halt arms transfers to Israel and called on companies to cease business activities supporting settlements.

The UN High Commissioner's office, however, presents the database as a tool to enhance corporate accountability. Türk stated upon the update that it serves as a reminder of companies' obligations to conduct due diligence and ensure their business activities do not involve human rights violations. The UN emphasizes the database is not a sanctions mechanism and does not compel companies to cease operations, but rather aims to publicize names of companies found to be linked to activities defined by the Human Rights Council.

Israel also rejected the premise that economic activity in the West Bank inherently harms the Arab population, arguing that companies operating there provide jobs for Arabs, foster economic ties, and contribute to daily cooperation. Israel warned that harming these companies could negatively impact their Arab employees and weaken the regional economy. Conversely, the UN Human Rights Office maintains that economic activity linked to settlements can facilitate their expansion and be associated with violations of Arab rights.