UN Blacklists 61 More Companies Operating Beyond Green Line

The UN Human Rights Office has officially updated its database of companies operating beyond the "Green Line," significantly expanding the list to include 61 new entities, bringing the total to 214. The updated roster now encompasses major players in Israel's banking and retail sectors, alongside international tech and tourism giants. Only five companies successfully demonstrated they had ceased all operations in the disputed territories.

The move comes at a sensitive time, coinciding with independent sanctions imposed by Western nations, and provides them with a factual basis to intensify economic measures against Israel. The UN database, first created in 2020, is updated periodically. The latest publication is directly influenced by the International Court of Justice's July 2024 advisory opinion, which deemed the Israeli presence in the territories illegal and obligated countries not to assist it. This also aligns with recent actions by countries like the UK, France, and Canada, which have increased independent measures and restrictions on trade and imports from settlements.

Prominent additions to the list include international tourism and accommodation booking companies like Airbnb, Booking, and TripAdvisor, cited for providing services that support tourism beyond the Green Line. Major Israeli financial institutions such as Bank Hapoalim, Bank Leumi, Mizrahi Tefahot, Discount Bank, and Jerusalem Bank are included for providing credit and financing for development and construction. Retail and food sectors are represented by Shufersal, Rami Levy, Tnuva, Angel Bakery, and Cafe Cafe, while telecommunications companies like Bezeq, Cellcom, Pelephone, HOT, and Yes are also listed. Infrastructure, energy, and transportation sectors feature companies like Shikun & Binui, Netafim, Israel Railways, Delek Group, Dor Alon, and public transport operators Egged, Electra Afikim, Kavim, and Superbus.

While the UN Human Rights Council lacks direct enforcement authority, inclusion on the list has indirect consequences. It serves as a significant warning for institutional investors and pension funds adhering to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, potentially leading to divestment and restrictions on stock purchases. International companies may also hesitate to engage in business relationships or joint ventures with listed entities.

Israel's Foreign Ministry condemned the list as a "corrupt political mechanism" originating from a "fundamentally flawed" council with an automatic anti-Israel majority. They stated the list's sole purpose is to harm Israel and is not a legitimate human rights mechanism. The Ministry criticized the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, for creating "wasteful mechanisms" to pursue Israel, asserting that Israeli businesses in the West Bank provide jobs for Palestinians and foster coexistence, contrasting with the UN office's actions.