The United Nations released its database of some 100 companies it says are operating in Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian areas.
While Palestinian leaders approved of the listing, Israeli leaders called it an anti-Israel “blacklist.”
According to the Jerusalem Post, both the United States and Israel have worked to keep the list from being published due to the worry of boycotts.
A number of settlements exist in the territories Israel originally captured after a war in 1967. Under international law, however, the settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem are considered illegal by some. Israel and the United States disagree that the settlements are illegal.
According to CNN, the list took more than three years to create. Most of the 112 businesses in the database are Israeli companies, including some of the country’s main banking institutions. The list also includes Motorola Solutions, General Mills, Trip Advisor and Airbnb of the United States and a handful of United Kingdom and Alstom of France companies.
In the release of the list, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, said she knew the publication of the database would be controversial.
“I am conscious this issue has been and will continue to be highly contentious. However, after an extensive and meticulous review process we are satisfied this fact-based report reflects the serious consideration that has been given to this unprecedented and highly complex mandate,” she said in a statement.
In response, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said it would no longer work with Bachelet.
“Whoever boycotts us will be boycotted,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.
Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin called the database “shameful,” while Foreign Minister Israel Katz said the database was “discriminatory anti-Israel policy.”
The Palestinian Authority, however, said it would use the database to keep companies from operating in those territories.
“We will pursue companies listed in the report legally through international legal institutions and in courts in their countries for taking part in human rights violations in Palestine,” PA Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh said.
Photo courtesy: ©Getty Images/Rex Wholster
Amanda Casanova is a writer living in Dallas, Texas. She has covered news for ChristianHeadlines.com since 2014. She has also contributed to The Houston Chronicle, U.S. News and World Report and IBelieve.com. She blogs at The Migraine Runner.
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