World News
Investigation highlights UK public sector contracts with firms linked to West Bank settlements
Procurement data shows public sector contracts worth over 2.1 billion pounds involving companies listed by the UN over settlement-related operations.
The short version
- An Al Jazeera report utilizing data from procurement analysts Tussell found that 17 companies linked by the UN to illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank hold 125 active UK public sector contracts valued at more than 2.1 billion pounds.
- The bulk of the funding involves subsidiaries of Motorola Solutions, which hold 91 active contracts valued at 1.726 billion pounds, including a major emergency services communications contract with the Home Office.
- Legal scholars and critics argue these commercial ties could place the UK in breach of international law following a July 2024 International Court of Justice advisory ruling.
- The UK Cabinet Office stated that public authorities evaluate suppliers individually and public procurement should not be used for boycotts without official sanctions.
Key facts
- Data from procurement analysts Tussell shows 17 UK public sector contractors linked by the UN to Israeli settlements in the West Bank hold 125 contracts worth a combined 2.129 billion pounds.[Al Jazeera]
- Motorola Solutions subsidiaries hold 91 active UK public sector contracts worth 1.726 billion pounds, primarily through Airwave Solutions, which holds a 1.562-billion-pound emergency services communications contract.[Al Jazeera]
- Five Heidelberg Materials-linked businesses hold 25 UK public contracts worth 184.79 million pounds, while Egis-controlled businesses hold contracts worth 133.6 million pounds.[Al Jazeera]
- In July 2024, the International Court of Justice determined that Israel's presence in the occupied Palestinian territory is unlawful and instructed third-party states not to render aid in maintaining the situation.[Al Jazeera]
- The UK Cabinet Office stated that contract exclusions are decided on a case-by-case basis and public procurement should not be used to boycott suppliers without formal sanctions.[Al Jazeera]
What remains uncertain
- Heidelberg Materials states that its Israeli subsidiary ceased operations at the West Bank Nahal Raba quarry in 2023, while research group Who Profits reported a site expansion approval in May 2025.[Al Jazeera]
- Legal experts disagree on whether standard public sector contracting with UN-listed companies constitutes a breach of the UK's obligations under international law.[Al Jazeera]