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The United Nations (UN) has expanded its list of companies accused of contributing to human rights abuses against Palestinians through their operations in Israeli settlements, intensifying an already tense diplomatic situation. The latest update adds 68 firms from 11 countries, bringing the total number of companies under scrutiny to 158.
Originally created nearly ten years ago, the blacklist mainly comprises Israeli firms but also includes prominent companies from the United States, Germany, Spain, and other nations. The newly listed businesses are largely involved in construction, real estate, mining, and quarrying, sectors deemed to support settlements considered illegal under international law. Among the notable additions are Germany’s Heidelberg Materials and Spain’s Ineco, while travel companies such as Expedia and Airbnb remain on the list.
The update comes at a politically charged moment, following the recognition of a Palestinian state by several European countries in protest at Israel’s military actions in Gaza. It also follows Israeli plans to annex parts of the West Bank and approve new housing for settlements. The UN human rights office has called on companies to exercise due diligence to prevent involvement in human rights violations.
Although the list functions largely as a symbolic measure without legal enforcement powers, it seeks to maintain international pressure on Israel regarding its settlement policies. Experts note that its actual impact on the finances of listed companies remains uncertain, sparking debate over whether such actions can slow settlement expansion or merely heighten political divisions.
