Core Points - The United Nations has added nearly 70 companies to a blacklist for their involvement in activities that violate Palestinian human rights through business ties to Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank [1][3] - The updated list now includes a total of 158 companies, primarily Israeli, but also from the United States, Canada, China, Britain, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg [3] - The blacklist aims to name and shame businesses linked to the settlements, which are considered illegal under international law [2][6] Company Involvement - New companies added to the blacklist include Heidelberg Materials (Germany), Steconfer (Portugal), and Ineco (Spain), while companies like Expedia Group, Booking Holdings Inc, and Airbnb Inc remain on the list [7][9] - Some companies, such as Heidelberg Materials, argue that their inclusion is unjustified as they claim not to be active in the occupied territories [8] - Steconfer has requested reconsideration, stating its role in a Jerusalem rail project is neutral and apolitical [9] Impact and Reactions - The UN's Human Rights Council created the blacklist, which lacks legal authority to enforce actions against the companies listed [6] - Israel has rejected the blacklist, claiming it targets businesses that have committed no wrongdoing and urging allies not to support it [4][5] - The revision of the list could further isolate Israel amid changing international recognition of Palestinian statehood [10] Historical Context - This is the first revision since 2023, when 97 companies were listed, down from 112 in the original list published in 2020 [13] - The council has identified specific business activities that could lead to inclusion on the list, such as supplying equipment for settlements and providing travel services to these areas [14]