Never again is now: How global companies are complicit in Israel's genocide in Gaza

By Alireza Akbari    

Last week, the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement published an updated list of companies enabling Israel’s “occupation, apartheid, and genocide against Palestinians.”

Following the release of the list, the Palestinian-led movement for freedom, justice and equality called for “strategic and collective action” to intensify pressure on companies aiding the ongoing genocide in the Gaza Strip, which has claimed nearly 45,500 lives in the past 14 months.

The movement emphasized a targeted approach to mobilize “mass pressure” and ensure “impactful efforts,” urging supporters to “boycott and pressure these companies for their complicity in Israel’s occupation, apartheid and genocide against indigenous Palestinians.”

In its statement, the BDS movement explained that it had carefully evaluated and prioritized companies based on their involvement in Israel’s ongoing “violations of Palestinian rights.”

The updated list categorizes these companies into three groups: “priority boycott targets,” “pressure targets,” and “organic boycotts supported by the movement.”

Since its launch in 2005, BDS has played an instrumental role in building pressure on international companies and brands that directly or indirectly aid Israeli apartheid and settler colonialism.

Over the years, the BDS movement has significantly ramped up its efforts to economically isolate the Israeli regime, particularly since October of last year with the outbreak of the Israeli genocidal campaign in the Gaza Strip. This surge in activity has led to several notable developments.

In April 2024, Samsung Next, the innovation arm of South Korea’s tech giant Samsung, withdrew from the occupied Palestinian territories, dealing another blow to the war-battered Israeli economy.

In early August 2024, the UK’s largest private-sector pension fund divested £80 million from Israeli assets, joining a growing wave of global retirement funds distancing themselves from the genocide.

On December 3, 2024, Norway’s sovereign wealth fund, the world’s largest, sold its entire stake in Bezeq Israeli Telecommunication Corp Ltd.

This decision followed a more stringent interpretation of ethical standards by the fund’s ethics watchdog, the Council on Ethics, which now explicitly condemns business involvement with Israel.

The BDS movement, launched nearly 20 years ago by 170 Palestinian unions, refugee networks, women’s organisations, popular resistance committees and other Palestinian civil society bodies, has been advocating for boycotts, divestments, and economic sanctions against the Tel Aviv regime.

With branches in numerous countries, the pro-Palestinian movement consistently monitors, collects data, and mobilizes activists to carry out actions aimed at ending international support for Israel’s genocidal campaign in the Gaza Strip.

Chevron Corporation

Headquartered in California, Chevron Corporation is a global leader in the energy sector, specializing in the exploration, production, and marketing of oil, natural gas, and petrochemical products.

Chevron's connection to Israel dates back to 2020, when it acquired Noble Energy, which held significant stakes in the Leviathan and Tamar offshore natural gas fields.

This acquisition positioned Chevron as a key player in Israel's energy market, managing some of the largest natural gas reserves in the region.

Chevron supports Israel by developing its natural gas fields, boosting energy exports, and enhancing its energy security. Furthermore, Chevron's operations contribute substantially to Israel’s economy, promote regional energy partnerships, and foster community investment initiatives within Israel.

Caltex (A Chevron Brand)

Headquartered in Singapore, Caltex is a petroleum brand under Chevron Corporation, primarily operating in the Asia-Pacific region, West Asia, and Southern Africa.

The company specializes in fuel retailing, offering gasoline, diesel, marine and industrial fuels, aviation fuel, kerosene, and asphalt.

Caltex's connection to Israel is indirect, as it is part of Chevron's corporate structure. Revenues generated from Chevron's operations, including its activities in the occupied Palestine, contribute to Caltex’s overall financial performance, thereby linking it to Israel through shared corporate ownership.

As a subsidiary of Chevron, Caltex is indirectly involved in supporting Israel’s energy infrastructure.

Texaco

Founded in 1902 in Beaumont, Texas, Texaco (originally known as The Texas Company) was a major player in the production, refining, marketing, and transportation of crude oil and natural gas.

In 2001, Texaco was acquired by Chevron Corporation, and the Texaco brand continues to operate under Chevron's ownership.

Texaco's connection to Israel is indirect, through its parent company, Chevron.

As part of Chevron's corporate structure, Texaco is involved in supporting Israel’s energy infrastructure, with Chevron’s operations in the country enhancing its energy security and contributing to its economy.

Intel Corporation

Intel Corporation, a leading American multinational technology company, specializes in the design and manufacturing of semiconductor products, including microprocessors, chipsets, and integrated circuits.

Founded in 1968 and headquartered in Santa Clara, California, Intel has played a pivotal role in advancing computing technology and supplying essential components for personal computers, servers, and various electronic devices.

Intel maintains a significant presence in the occupied territories, operating four development and production sites, including a major manufacturing plant in Kiryat Gat, known as Fab 28.

This facility produces advanced semiconductor technologies that contribute to Intel’s global supply chain. In 2022, Intel’s operations in the occupied Palestine accounted for nearly 2 percent of Israeli GDP, with exports reaching approximately $8.7 billion, or 5.5 percent of high-tech exports.

Intel's operations in Israel have been a key driver of the Tel Aviv regime’s high-tech industry, providing employment to around 11,700 people—3,900 in manufacturing and 7,800 in development roles.

The company has invested over $50 billion in the occupied territories, including a $10 billion investment in the Kiryat Gat facility.

Additionally, Intel's procurements in Israel total $25.2 billion, with 75 percent of suppliers being small-to-medium businesses, thus supporting the local economy and fostering technological innovation.

Dell Technologies

Dell Technologies is a leading American multinational corporation specializing in the design, development, manufacturing, marketing, and support of information technology infrastructure.

Founded in 1984 by Michael Dell and headquartered in Round Rock, Texas, Dell Technologies has established a significant presence in the occupied Palestine, with multiple research and development (R&D) centers focusing on technological innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI), which according to multiple reports has been extensively used in the ongoing genocide. 

In collaboration with NVIDIA, Dell established the state-of-the-art AI facility Israel-1, located in NVIDIA’s Israeli data center. The facility features 2,048 NVIDIA H100 Tensor Core GPUs and 256 Dell PowerEdge XE9680 AI servers, advancing AI technologies.

Dell Technologies supports the Israeli regime's technological ecosystem by investing in local innovation and creating employment opportunities.

HP Inc.

Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, HP Inc. is an American multinational information technology company specializing in the development and manufacturing of personal computers, printers, and related supplies.

Founded in 1939, HP has been at the forefront of advancing computing technology, providing essential components for personal computers, servers, and various electronic devices.

HP-branded corporations play a significant role in Israel’s oppression of Palestinians, contributing to the regime’s occupation, settler-colonialism, and apartheid system.

It supplies computer hardware to the Israeli military and maintains data centers supporting the Israeli military forces, who are involved in human rights abuses against Palestinians. 

HP provides Itanium servers that power the Aviv System, a computerized database for Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority. This system is integral to Israel’s racial segregation and apartheid policies.

Carrefour

Carrefour is a French multinational retail corporation and one of the world's largest supermarket chains. Founded in 1958 by Marcel Fournier, Denis Defforey, and Jacques Defforey, Carrefour operates a variety of store formats, including hypermarkets, supermarkets, and convenience stores.

Headquartered in Massy, France, Carrefour has expanded globally through strategic partnerships and franchising.

In May 2023, the company entered the Israeli market, launching its first 50 branches in collaboration with local franchisee Electra Consumer Products and its subsidiary Yenot Bitan.

This venture includes plans to rebrand over 150 existing Yenot Bitan stores into Carrefour outlets by mid-2024.

By leveraging its global supply chain and retail expertise, Carrefour contributes to Israel’s economy through job creation and by providing consumers with access to a diverse mix of international and local products.

AXA

AXA, headquartered in Paris, France, is a multinational insurance and asset management corporation offering a comprehensive range of services. These include life, health, property, and casualty insurance, as well as investment management solutions.

Founded in 1816, AXA has grown into a global industry leader, serving 94 million clients, with a workforce of approximately 147,000 employees and distributors.

Historically, AXA has faced criticism for its financial engagements linked to the Israeli regime, including investments in Israeli banks and military companies.

These investments have been highlighted by human rights groups for their connections to rampant human rights violations.

The Walt Disney Company

The Walt Disney Company, commonly known as Disney, is a leading American multinational entertainment and media conglomerate.

Founded in 1923 by brothers Walt and Roy O. Disney, the company has grown into a global powerhouse encompassing film studios, theme parks, television networks, and streaming services.

Its portfolio includes iconic brands such as Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences, solidifying its dominance in the global entertainment industry.

Headquartered in Burbank, California, Disney operates worldwide, including in Israel, through its subsidiary, The Walt Disney Company Israel Ltd., based in Ramat Gan.

This subsidiary oversees the distribution of Disney's films, television content, and consumer products tailored to the Israeli market, ensuring a strong presence in the region.

Disney has demonstrated support for the Israeli regime through various initiatives.

Siemens AG

Siemens AG is a German multinational conglomerate specializing in industrial manufacturing, automation, and digitalization solutions.

Established in 1847 by Werner von Siemens, the company operates across diverse sectors, including industry, infrastructure, and transportation.

Headquartered in Munich, Germany, Siemens has a significant presence in the Israeli occupied territoriers through its subsidiary, Siemens Israel.

This branch provides advanced solutions tailored to the Israeli market, focusing on sectors such as transportation, energy, and healthcare.

Siemens Israel plays a crucial role in enhancing the regime's infrastructure and technological capabilities, which have been put to extensive use in the ongoing genocide of Palestinians.

Apart from that, the company has participated in key infrastructure projects in the occupied territories, including winning a tender to supply 330 electric rail cars for Israel Railways as part of the regime’s railway electrification initiative.

Additionally, Siemens has contributed to constructing industrial combined-cycle power plants, bolstering Israel’s energy sector and reinforcing its industrial development.

RE/MAX

RE/MAX is a leading American international real estate company specializing in residential and commercial property sales and rentals.

Founded in 1973 by Dave and Gail Liniger and headquartered in Denver, Colorado, RE/MAX extends its operations to the Israeli regime through its franchise, RE/MAX Israel.

This branch is the largest international real estate company in the occupied territories, managing over 100 offices and employing more than 1,200 agents.

RE/MAX Israel facilitates property transactions, including secondhand properties and new developments, playing a key role in Israel’s real estate market.

RE/MAX Israel's expansive operations contribute to the Tel Aviv regime’s real estate sector, bolstering economic activity and providing resources for urban expansion and settlement projects.

SodaStream International Ltd.

SodaStream International Ltd. is an Israeli-based company known for its home carbonation systems, which allow consumers to transform tap water into sparkling beverages.

Established in 1903 in the United Kingdom, SodaStream has grown into a global leader in the beverage industry, offering a variety of syrups and flavors to complement its carbonation devices.

In 2018, SodaStream was acquired by PepsiCo for $3.2 billion, aligning with PepsiCo's strategy to diversify its product portfolio and reduce reliance on sugary drinks.

The company is headquartered in Kfar Saba, Israeli occupied territories, with its principal manufacturing facility located in the Idan HaNegev Industrial Park near Beersheba.

This facility employs a diverse workforce, including a significant number of Negev Bedouins, emphasizing SodaStream's commitment to inclusive employment practices.

Google LLC

Google LLC is a leading American multinational technology company specializing in internet-related services and products, including search engines, online advertising, cloud computing, and software.

Founded in 1998 by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google has become a cornerstone of the digital age, providing tools and platforms that revolutionize information access and connectivity.

Headquartered in Mountain View, California, Google has a strong presence in the Israeli occupied territories, with offices in Tel Aviv and Haifa.

These facilities focus on research and development, contributing to advancements in machine learning, data mining, and game theory.

Israel's thriving tech ecosystem plays a pivotal role in Google's global innovation strategy, enhancing its products and services.

Google's ties to the Israeli regime include significant collaborations with Israeli military entities, making it directly complicit in the ongoing genocidal war crimes in the Gaza Strip.

Under Project Nimbus, a $1.2 billion contract, Google and Amazon provide cloud computing services to the Israeli regime and military, bolstering the regime’s digital infrastructure.

Amazon.com, Inc.

Amazon.com, Inc. is a leading American multinational technology company specializing in e-commerce, cloud computing, digital streaming, and artificial intelligence.

Founded in 1994 by American billionaire Jeff Bezos, Amazon has established itself as a global powerhouse in technology and retail.

Amazon has a significant footprint in the Israeli occupied territories, particularly through its cloud computing division, Amazon Web Services (AWS).

In August 2023, AWS launched the AWS Israel (Tel Aviv) Region, comprising three Availability Zones, enabling businesses to run workloads and store data securely within the Israeli regime.

This investment is part of Amazon's broader commitment to invest $7.2 billion in the occupied territories by 2037, aimed at strengthening the regime’s cloud ecosystem and advancing its digital transformation.

Amazon's collaborations with the Israeli regime include major contracts such as Project Nimbus.

Secured jointly with Google in March 2021, this $1.2 billion deal provides cloud computing services to the Tel Aviv regime, significantly supporting its technological and military infrastructure.

Expedia Group, Inc.

Expedia Group, Inc. is a prominent American online travel company offering a wide range of services, including hotel bookings, flight reservations, car rentals, and vacation packages.

Founded in 1996 as a division of Microsoft, Expedia has grown into a global platform, operating brands such as Expedia.com, Hotels.com, and Trivago.

While Expedia does not maintain physical offices in the occupied Palestinian territories, it conducts business operations in the region through remotely based staff.

For example, a job listing for a Hebrew-speaking Lodging Partner Associate at Expedia’s Prague office highlights responsibilities involving collaboration with accommodation providers in the occupied territories.

Expedia’s activities in the region, including partnerships with local accommodation providers, indirectly support the Israeli tourism industry.

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. is a global pharmaceutical giant headquartered in Petah Tikva, the occupied Palestinian territories. 

Founded in 1901, Teva is renowned for its extensive portfolio of generic and specialty medicines, comprising over 1,000 products, along with innovative treatments in various therapeutic areas.

Teva operates manufacturing facilities, research and development centers, and commercial networks across North America, Europe, and other regions.

The company's contributions to the global healthcare sector are complemented by its pivotal role in Israel’s economy and healthcare infrastructure.

As one of the Israeli regime’s largest employers, Teva supports the local economy through substantial job creation and investments in innovation.

Airbnb

Airbnb is a global online marketplace connecting hosts and guests through unique accommodations and travel experiences worldwide.

Founded in 2007, the company boasts over 8 million active listings worldwide. Headquartered in San Francisco, California, Airbnb operates extensively, including within the Israeli regime.

The platform features numerous listings in Tel Aviv, occupied al-Quds, and occupied Haifa, providing a range of lodging options for international travelers.

Airbnb’s operations in the occupied territories have faced significant criticism due to its handling of listings in Israeli settlements within the occupied West Bank.

In 2018, Airbnb announced plans to delist properties in these settlements, citing the contentious legal and political context. However, under pressure, the company reversed its decision in 2019, allowing settlement listings to remain on the platform.

Booking.com

Booking.com is a leading online travel agency offering a wide array of services, including hotel reservations, car rentals, and flight bookings.

Established in 1996 in Amsterdam, Netherlands, the company has grown into a global powerhouse, connecting millions of travelers with accommodations and travel experiences across the globe.

Booking.com has a significant international presence, including a major office in Tel Aviv, which serves as a strategic hub for the company’s operations in the West Asia region.

Booking.com’s activities in the region have contributed to the Israeli tourism industry by facilitating access to accommodations and travel options.

McDonald's Corporation

McDonald's Corporation is a global leader in the food service industry, operating and franchising over 41,000 restaurants.

Founded in 1940 by Maurice and Richard McDonald, the company has become synonymous with fast food, offering a menu of quality food and beverages tailored to local tastes.

Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, McDonald's maintains a notable presence in the occupied territories and has been widely boycotted amid the ongoing genocidal war on Gaza.

In April 2024, McDonald's announced its acquisition of all 225 franchise restaurants in the occupied territories from Alonyal Limited, the local operator for over three decades.

This decision was prompted by mounting global boycotts and protests, particularly after the Israeli franchise controversially provided free meals to Israeli soldiers, sparking international criticism.

The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company is a global beverage giant, best known for its iconic soft drink, Coca-Cola.

Established in 1892 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the company offers a wide range of products, including soft drinks, juices, teas, and bottled water.

In the occupied territories, Coca-Cola's operations are handled by the Central Bottling Company (CBC), a private Israeli firm that serves as the exclusive franchisee of The Coca-Cola Company.

CBC produces and distributes popular beverages such as Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Kinley Soda, and FUZE Tea.

The company also markets several food and beverage enterprises, solidifying its central role in the Zionist entity's beverage and food industry.

Papa John's

Papa John's is a leading American pizza chain known for its commitment to quality under the slogan "Better Ingredients. Better Pizza."

Founded in 1984 by John Schnatter, the company has been offering an extensive menu that includes pizzas, pasta, and chicken wings.

In the occupied territories, Papa John's operates through a franchise model. The brand entered the Israeli market in 2016, with plans to open 10 stores over the following years.

The first store was launched in Tel Aviv, followed by branches in Rehovot and Haifa by 2020.

The franchise announced ambitions to expand to 25 locations within five years, catering to the growing demand for its offerings in the Israeli market.

Burger King

Burger King, a global fast-food giant, is celebrated for its flame-grilled burgers and diverse menu.

Founded in 1954 in Miami, Florida, the chain operates thousands of restaurants across the world.      

In the occupied territories, Burger King initially entered the market in 1993 but ceased operations in 2010 when the franchise owner converted all locations into Burgeranch restaurants.

The brand made a comeback in 2016, re-entering the Israeli market through a partnership with a French company.

The first re-established branch opened in Tel Aviv, and as of 2024, Burger King operates 17 branches. This includes 13 locations in Tel Aviv and its suburbs.

Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut is a globally recognized pizza chain, offering a variety of menu items, including pizzas, pasta, and side dishes.

Established in 1958 in Wichita, Kansas, the company operates thousands of restaurants.

In the occupied territoires, Pizza Hut operates through a franchise model, maintaining multiple locations throughout the Zionist entity and serving its signature menu to local consumers.

However, the brand's presence there has drawn criticism from human rights organizations.

Activists have called for boycotts, stating that Pizza Hut has supported Israeli acts of genocide and contributed to the expansion of illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Wix.com

Wix.com is a prominent cloud-based web development platform that empowers users to create and manage websites without the need for coding skills.

Founded in 2006, the company has grown significantly, serving millions of users worldwide with tools for website design, e-commerce, and digital marketing.

Headquartered in Tel Aviv, Wix conducts its primary research and development operations in the ocupued territories and has established a global footprint with offices in the United States, Brazil, Lithuania, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, and Luxembourg.

Wix has been an active supporter of the aparthied regime. In October 2023, the company developed and supported over 180 websites for organizations advocating global support for Israel.

Additionally, Wix offers a customizable badge through its App Market, enabling website owners to provide visitors with information and donation options related to supporting Israel.

The BDS movement has intensified its campaigns in 2024 amid the ongoing genocide, targeting companies and institutions complicit in the gory events unfolding in the Gaza Strip.

In December 2024, activists in New York City utilized the holiday shopping season to amplify the movement's message of boycott and divestment to halt the regime's genocidal campaign. 

A video shared by the New Jersey Palestine Action channel on Instagram, titled “’Tis the Season to End Genocide,” showed activists placing BDS-themed stickers on storefronts of targeted companies such as Starbucks, McDonald's, and Zara in Manhattan.

The initiative aimed to draw attention to these companies' complicity in Israeli acts of aggression.

Earlier in June, Barclays Bank withdrew sponsorship from prominent UK music festivals, including Latitude, Download, and Isle of Wight.

This move came in response to protests from artists over Barclays’ ties to military firms supplying lethal arms to the Tel Aviv regime used against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

The protests, organized by Bands Boycott Barclays (BBB), a group supported by over 700 artists and affiliated with the BDS movement, highlighted growing pressure on corporations linked to the regime.

The BDS movement has also claimed success in compelling major corporations like Veolia and Orange to cease operations in Israel, while influencing investors to divest from Israeli firms.

These campaigns underscore the movement’s broader strategy to mobilize public opinion and reshape corporate and institutional policies concerning their involvement with Israel.

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