On July 3, 2025, the United Nations special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) released a groundbreaking report. The document maps out the involvement of global corporations in aiding Israel’s actions in Gaza, which the report describes as genocidal and in breach of international law. Francesca Albanese, the special rapporteur, is set to present her findings at a news conference in Geneva, highlighting the role of 48 corporate actors, including major U.S. tech companies like Microsoft, Alphabet Inc., and Amazon.
The report is part of an extensive investigation that compiled a database of over 1,000 corporate entities. It states,
“[Israel’s] forever-occupation has become the ideal testing ground for arms manufacturers and Big Tech — providing significant supply and demand, little oversight, and zero accountability — while investors and private and public institutions profit freely.”
Albanese asserts that these companies are embedded in what she terms an “economy of genocide,” underscoring the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Corporate Involvement in Military and Surveillance
Israel’s procurement of F-35 fighter jets, part of the world’s largest arms procurement program, is a focal point in the report. The program relies on at least 1,600 companies across eight nations, led by U.S.-based Lockheed Martin. Italian manufacturer Leonardo S.p.A and Japan’s FANUC Corporation are also highlighted for their roles in military production.
In the tech sector, companies like Microsoft, Alphabet, and Amazon are accused of enhancing Israel’s surveillance capabilities by providing cloud and AI technologies. The report also mentions IBM’s role in training military personnel and managing databases that store biometric data of Palestinians.
Palantir Technologies, a U.S. software platform, has reportedly expanded its support to the Israeli military since the onset of the conflict in October 2023. The report suggests the company has provided predictive policing technology for automated decision-making on the battlefield.
Dual-Use Technologies and Economic Implications
Several companies are identified for developing technologies that serve dual purposes, both civilian and military, in the occupation of Palestinian territories. Caterpillar, Leonardo-owned Rada Electronic Industries, and South Korea’s HD Hyundai are noted for supplying machinery used in home demolitions and settlement development in the West Bank.
Rental platforms like Booking and Airbnb are criticized for listing properties in Israeli-occupied territories, contributing to the economy of occupation. Additionally, companies like Drummond Company and Glencore are named as primary coal suppliers to Israel, while Chinese Bright Dairy & Food and Mexico’s Orbia Advance Corporation are implicated in exploiting resources in occupied areas.
The report highlights the role of treasury bonds in funding Israel’s military actions, with major banks such as BNP Paribas and Barclays facilitating financial operations despite a credit downgrade.
Investment Giants and Profit from Conflict
Investment firms BlackRock and Vanguard are identified as major investors in several companies listed in the report. BlackRock holds significant stakes in companies like Palantir, Microsoft, and Amazon, while Vanguard is a major investor in Caterpillar and Lockheed Martin.
The report argues that corporate profit from Israel’s actions is part of a broader historical pattern of “colonial racial capitalism.” Since the war on Gaza began in October 2023, Israel’s military spending has surged, and the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange has seen unprecedented growth.
Global insurance companies, including Allianz and AXA, have also invested heavily in shares and bonds linked to Israel’s occupation. Meanwhile, Airbnb’s practice of donating profits from listings in illegal settlements is criticized as “humanitarian-washing.”
Legal Implications and Calls for Accountability
According to the report, corporations have a legal obligation to avoid violating human rights, regardless of the actions of the states where they operate. Albanese calls for companies to divest from activities linked to Israel’s occupation, which is deemed illegal under international law.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an advisory opinion in July 2024, urging an end to Israel’s presence in the occupied territories. The UN General Assembly has demanded compliance by September 2025. Albanese’s report suggests that any corporate dealings supporting the occupation may constitute complicity in international crimes under the Rome Statute.
The report concludes with a call for states to prevent economic relations that support the illegal situation in the oPt, emphasizing the need for accountability and adherence to international law.
