UN Expands Blacklist of Firms Operating in Israeli Settlements

The updated list now includes entities from Israel, France, Germany, China, and the US, ranging from pesticide manufacturer ADAMA to real estate firm Alony Hetz and Spain’s Salvat Logistica. These firms join established names like Expedia and Airbnb, which have faced scrutiny for their presence in the region. The UN rights office monitors companies providing services such as equipment for building demolitions or specialized transport infrastructure that sustains settler populations.

Israel has dismissed the initiative as a distorted mechanism intended to persecute the state, arguing that the targeted companies operate within the bounds of local law. Tensions have intensified as countries including Britain, France, and Canada move to restrict imports from settlement-based businesses, citing a rise in settler violence. While the list serves as a tool for international pressure, some firms have successfully petitioned for removal. Both Opodo and eDreams were struck from the registry after confirming they ceased operations in the settlements, with eDreams explicitly citing the removal of listings as the reason for their compliance.