Seventeen companies linked to illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank hold United Kingdom public-sector contracts worth more than £2.1 billion ($2.85bn), according to an Al Jazeera investigation. The contracts span emergency communications, road maintenance, transport and licensing services. The findings coincide with calls from over 140 Labour MPs for a ban on trade with settlements.
Scale of UK public contracts
Procurement records analysed with data from Tussell show the 17 companies and their subsidiaries hold 125 active contracts with a combined value of £2.129 billion. Motorola Solutions subsidiaries account for the largest share at more than £1.7 billion, primarily through Airwave Solutions providing secure radio networks for UK police, fire and ambulance services.
Companies identified by the UN
The United Nations Human Rights Office lists five corporate groups for activities related to settlements. These include Motorola Solutions for security equipment, Heidelberg Materials for quarry operations on Palestinian land, Egis and CAF for involvement in Jerusalem light-rail infrastructure, and Fosun through its subsidiary Ahava operating in the Mitzpe Shalem settlement.
Legal and policy context
The International Court of Justice ruled in July 2024 that Israel’s presence in the occupied Palestinian territory is unlawful and that states must not render aid or assistance in maintaining the situation. UK government guidance warns businesses against bidding for construction tenders in settlements, citing risks of breaching international law. [TO VERIFY: exact wording and date of latest Cabinet Office statement on procurement exclusions]
Responses from parties
International law professor Stephen Humphreys stated that evidence suggests the UK may be in breach of obligations by continuing contracts with listed entities. Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn described the situation as the UK propping up apartheid. The Cabinet Office said decisions on suppliers are made case-by-case and that procurement should not be used for boycotts absent formal sanctions.
Key takeaways
- Seventeen companies hold 125 UK public contracts valued at £2.129 billion.
- Motorola Solutions subsidiaries represent £1.726 billion of the total.
- Five corporate groups appear on the UN database for settlement-related activities.
- Contracts cover emergency services, highways, rail and licensing.
- ICJ advisory opinion places obligations on third states regarding occupied territory.
Frequently asked questions
What is the total value of identified contracts?
The combined award value stands at £2.129 billion across 125 contracts held by 17 companies and entities.
Which company holds the largest share?
Motorola Solutions and its UK subsidiaries hold contracts worth £1.726 billion, mainly for Airwave emergency communications.
Why does the UN list these companies?
The UN cites activities such as supplying security equipment, operating quarries on occupied land and providing transport infrastructure serving settlements.
Does the UK government plan to change procurement rules?
More than 140 Labour MPs are urging a ban on trade with settlements; the prime minister is considering the request, while current policy requires case-by-case decisions.
What did the International Court of Justice state in 2024?
The court found Israel’s continued presence in the occupied Palestinian territory unlawful and directed states not to render aid or assistance that maintains the situation.
