Post by : Naveen Mittal

UN Database Reveals 158 Companies Linked to Israeli Settlements

The United Nations human rights office has expanded its spotlight on corporate activity in the occupied West Bank, naming 158 companies with business ties to Israeli settlements. The list, updated after two years, adds 68 new firms and removes seven that officials say no longer meet the criteria. The move has sparked renewed debate around the role of corporations in territorial disputes and human rights.

Which Companies Are Included?

The newly published database includes global names from sectors such as travel, construction, real estate, and materials. Companies like Airbnb, Booking.com, Expedia, and TripAdvisor remain on the list. Among the newcomers is Heidelberg Materials, a German cement producer, though it has challenged its inclusion, stating it has ceased operations in the territory. Most of the firms are based in Israel, but several are international, domiciled in the U.S., Germany, France, China, and Canada.

On What Basis Companies Are Listed

The UN identifies 10 types of business activities that raise human rights concerns—such as supplying construction equipment, developing infrastructure, or facilitating financial or property transactions in settlements. Firms listed either directly or indirectly participate in one or more of these activities in Israeli settlements, territory that the U.N. and many international observers deem illegal under international law. The database is part of the UN Human Rights Council’s larger mandate to promote transparency and accountability in conflict zones.

Removed Firms Signal Shift

Among the seven companies removed from the earlier list are Opodo (UK) and eDreams (Spain). Their delisting reflects the UN office’s assessment that they no longer engage in the controversial activities originally flagged. The removal process underscores that inclusion is not permanent and can be revised based on changed business conduct.

Israel’s Response and Legal Arguments

Israel has criticized the database, arguing it unfairly targets firms doing legally permissible business. The Israeli mission to the UN labeled the list a “blacklist” intended to stigmatize rather than enforce legal standards. Israel disputes the classification of the West Bank as occupied territory, citing historical and biblical claims. It contends that business activity in disputed land cannot be broadly judged illegal under international law.

Calls for Business Responsibility

In releasing the list, the UN urged companies to conduct due diligence to ensure their operations do not contribute to human rights abuses. It also called on states to play a role in preventing corporate complicity in territorial conflicts. The update arrives amid increased scrutiny of Israeli settlement expansion under the 2023 conflict in Gaza and expanded military operations in the West Bank.

Implications for the Listed Companies

Being named in the UN’s database carries reputational risk. Companies may face pressure from investors, civil society groups, and customers to withdraw or reconsider operations in contested areas. Some may be asked to provide explanations, transparency in their contracts, or remediation measures. Others removed from the list may highlight shifts in their operations or respond to the scrutiny.

The Bigger Picture: Settlements, Business & Rights

Since Israel occupied the West Bank in 1967, settlement expansion has remained a central issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Today, hundreds of thousands of Israelis live in settlements beyond the 1967 lines. The UN’s database effort, first launched in 2020, aims to hold business entities accountable in contested territories. Civil society and human rights advocates view the updated list as a tool to pressure companies to act more responsibly and protect vulnerable populations.

The expanded UN list of 158 companies tied to illegal settlements marks a renewed effort to shine a light on corporate involvement in contested regions. While legal obligations may vary by jurisdiction, the reputational and moral costs are rising. For companies operating in or considering activity in conflict zones, the message is clear: scrutiny is intensifying, and accountability is becoming a key part of global business practice.

UN database, Israeli settlements, corporate accountability, human rights, Israel-Palestine, international business