UN Adds 61 Companies to Database Linked to Israeli Settlements

The United Nations has added 61 companies to its database of businesses linked to Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. The updated list includes prominent Israeli firms such as "Tnuva," "Netafim," "Tavora," "Africa Israel," "Alony Hetz," and "Energix," along with "Aroma Espresso Bar," "Burger Ranch," "Cafe Joe," "Carmel Wineries," "English Cake," and "Tibergh Wineries." Also included are agricultural chemical company "ADAMA" and its Chinese subsidiary, Mexican firm "Orbia" which owns 80% of "Netafim," "Mechic Energy," "Teralight," "Gihon," the "Psagot" winery, "Jerusalem Wine Farms," and "City of David." The "Dekalim" date growers' association was reinstated after a previous removal.

The UN Human Rights Office reviewed claims concerning 126 companies, ultimately adding 61 to the database based on criteria related to their activities' impact on human rights in the Palestinian territories. These activities include contributing to settlement construction and expansion, providing surveillance and identification equipment, offering services and utilities, transportation, banking, finance, agriculture, energy, food, hospitality, and waste management. According to the report, 200 of the 214 companies listed are considered to contribute to negative impacts on the Palestinian people's right to self-determination, while 14 are directly linked to these impacts.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk stated the report serves as a reminder to companies of their human rights responsibilities and the need for due diligence to avoid involvement in violations. Israel condemned the database update, calling it a "political tool" and a "distorted mechanism" that targets companies without wrongdoing. Its diplomatic mission in Geneva asserted the list is used in a campaign to defame Israeli companies.

The database, established in 2020 by the UN Human Rights Council, now includes companies from 11 countries, primarily Israel, but also the US, China, France, Germany, Spain, and Mexico. Companies were notified of their inclusion and given an opportunity to provide clarifications, with the assessment process based on UN guiding principles on business and human rights.