September 26, 2025 – A United Nations report released on Friday reveals that more than 150 companies are operating in Israeli settlements in the West Bank, which are considered illegal under international law. Among the companies named are Airbnb, Booking.com, Expedia, and TripAdvisor. These businesses are engaged in activities linked to settlements that the UN deems as violating international human rights.
Expansion of the List
The database, which was last updated in 2023, now includes 68 new companies, bringing the total to 158. The new additions are primarily Israeli companies, though firms from other countries, including Germany, France, Canada, and China, are also represented. Notable companies like Heidelberg Materials AG, a German cement maker, were added, though Heidelberg disputed its inclusion, claiming it no longer operates in the Palestinian territories.
Seven companies that were previously listed have been removed, including Opodo and eDreams ODIGEO, after investigations indicated they were no longer involved in activities that warranted their inclusion.
Human Rights Concerns
The UN report highlights that these businesses are engaged in activities that raise human rights concerns, particularly in areas like construction, real estate, and mining. The UN Human Rights Office stresses that businesses operating in conflict zones have a responsibility to ensure they are not contributing to human rights abuses.
The database serves as a transparency tool aimed at shedding light on companies operating in the settlements and encouraging businesses to reconsider their involvement, especially in light of increased scrutiny amid Israeli actions in Gaza and the West Bank. The UN emphasizes that companies should remediate any harm they may have caused or contributed to, through appropriate processes.
Israel’s Response
Israel has strongly disputed the legality of the UN’s position, arguing that the settlements in the West Bank are not illegal under international law. Israel claims biblical and historical ties to the West Bank and contends that the territory is disputed, not occupied. In response to the UN’s database, Israel criticized the report as a form of “blacklisting” and “vilification” against businesses that are legally operating.
The Israeli Mission in Geneva stated that there is no general prohibition on business activity in conflict areas, and that the UN’s database unfairly targets companies that are not violating international law.
Impact of the Database
The UN’s Human Rights Chief, Volker Türk, stressed the importance of due diligence for businesses in conflict zones, especially those operating in the West Bank, where the Israeli government’s policies have drawn significant international criticism. The UN Human Rights Council continues to monitor and pressure companies to ensure they are not involved in activities that contribute to human rights violations, particularly as Israeli settlements continue to expand.
The list has garnered support from civil society groups, who argue that it is a vital tool for transparency and accountability. These groups believe the database will push companies to re-evaluate their operations in the region, in line with international human rights standards.
Increasing Scrutiny Amid Growing Tensions
The scrutiny of companies in the West Bank comes amid escalating tensions between Israel and the Palestinian territories. In addition to the growing number of settlements, Israeli actions in Gaza and the West Bank have led to accusations of forcibly transferring Palestinians, expanding settlements, and annexing more land.
A UN Commission of Inquiry report released on Tuesday criticized Israel’s policies, arguing that they demonstrate a clear intent to annex the entire West Bank. Israel dismissed the findings, claiming that the Commission is pursuing a politically motivated agenda.
Broader International Context
The issue of Israeli settlements has been a longstanding point of contention in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel has expanded its settlements in the West Bank since it captured the area during the 1967 Six-Day War, despite widespread international condemnation.
While many countries consider the settlements illegal under international law, Israel maintains they are legitimate and based on historical ties to the land. This conflict over the legality of the settlements is central to the broader issue of whether there can be a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
U.S. Position and Global Debate
The database and ongoing international debate about Israeli settlements have drawn attention from the U.S., where President Donald Trump recently stated that he would not allow Israel to annex the West Bank. His comments contradicted a position held by some far-right politicians in Israel, who are pushing for the formal annexation of the territory, thereby ending hopes for the establishment of a Palestinian state.
In the US, the situation remains highly polarized, with pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian advocates continuing to push for their respective positions. The international community remains divided on the issue, with some nations backing Israel’s right to expand settlements, while others support the rights of Palestinians to establish their own state.
Conclusion
The release of the UN’s updated database highlighting businesses linked to Israeli settlements further intensifies the international spotlight on the West Bank and its contested status. While companies face growing pressure to reconsider their involvement in the settlements, Israel continues to challenge the international consensus on the issue, asserting its legal rights to the territory. As tensions in the region continue to rise, the role of businesses in these activities will remain a key point of debate and scrutiny.
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