Introduction
In a move that has sparked international debate, several Gulf states have established business relationships with Israeli companies listed on the United Nations’ blacklist for operating in Israeli settlements within the occupied Palestinian territories. These developments, following recent normalization agreements between Israel and certain Gulf nations, have raised questions about the implications for international law and regional diplomacy.
The UN Blacklist:
An Overview In February 2020, the United Nations Human Rights Council published a database of 112 companies engaged in activities related to Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, considered illegal under international law. The list includes prominent Israeli banks and international corporations involved in construction, surveillance, and resource extraction within the settlements. The UN regards these settlements as violations of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits the transfer of an occupier’s civilian population into occupied territory. However, Israel disputes the applicability of this convention, arguing that the West Bank is disputed land, not occupied territory.
Gulf States’ Engagement with Blacklisted Companies Following the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords in August 2020, which normalized relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), several agreements were signed between Emirati entities and Israeli companies on the UN blacklist.
- Banking Sector: Emirati banks, including Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), First Abu Dhabi Bank, and Emirates NBD, entered agreements with Israeli banks such as Bank Leumi and Bank Hapoalim. Both Israeli banks are listed on the UN blacklist due to their operations in the settlements.
- Technology and Infrastructure: Israeli tech firms and construction companies operating in settlements have secured partnerships with Gulf-based entities, including collaborations on smart city projects and infrastructure development. These projects aim to leverage Israel’s technological advancements while providing investment opportunities for Gulf nations.
- Film Industry: The Abu Dhabi Film Commission collaborated with the Israel Film Fund (IFF) and the Jerusalem Sam Spiegel Film & Television School to promote cultural cooperation. Notably, the IFF has been associated with funding projects in West Bank settlements.
International Reactions
The establishment of these business ties has elicited varied responses from the international community, human rights organizations, and the states directly involved. Palestinian Authorities have expressed concern, emphasizing that engaging with blacklisted companies undermines efforts to challenge the legality of settlements and could be perceived as tacit approval of their expansion. Palestinian officials argue that such partnerships legitimize the settlements and neglect the lived experiences of those affected by displacement and restricted access to resources. Human Rights Organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have criticized the agreements, asserting that businesses operating in settlements contribute to human rights violations against Palestinians. They believe that partnerships with blacklisted entities contradict international legal standards and embolden the expansion of settlements. The Israeli Perspective generally views these agreements positively, considering them a significant step toward regional integration and economic collaboration. Israeli officials argue that such partnerships demonstrate a pragmatic approach to economic development and normalization, despite political disagreements.
Legal and Ethical Considerations Engaging with companies on the UN blacklist presents complex legal and ethical dilemmas. The UN considers Israeli settlements in the occupied territories illegal under international law. Consequently, businesses operating within these settlements are viewed as complicit in violating international statutes. The absence of binding enforcement mechanisms, however, limits the direct impact of the UN blacklist. Corporate Responsibility is also a concern, as companies worldwide face increasing pressure to ensure their operations do not contribute to human rights abuses. Partnering with blacklisted firms may expose Gulf businesses to reputational risks and potential legal challenges in countries that adhere strictly to international standards. The question arises whether economic interests should override ethical considerations and legal responsibilities.
Economic and Diplomatic Implications
These partnerships may alter traditional alliances and enmities in the region, potentially leading to a reevaluation of stances on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While some Gulf states view normalization as a means to increase regional stability, others criticize the apparent disregard for the ongoing conflict and humanitarian issues.
Conclusion
The engagement of Gulf states with Israeli companies on the UN settlements blacklist underscores the intricate balance between economic interests and adherence to international legal frameworks. As these relationships evolve, they will likely continue to provoke discussion and analysis regarding their impact on regional politics, international law, and the pursuit of a just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The question remains whether economic integration can coexist with a genuine commitment to international justice and human rights.
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