An Al Jazeera investigation reports that the UK holds billions of dollars in contracts with companies tied to Israeli settlements built on occupied land, which are widely regarded as illegal under international law. Independent verification of the figures and responses from the UK government and companies were not available in the reporting reviewed.
Key facts
- An Al Jazeera investigation examined UK contracts with firms it says are linked to Israeli settlements.
- The report says UK public money is flowing to companies connected to settlements on occupied land.
- The settlements are widely regarded as illegal under international law.
- The investigation was published on 28 August 2026.
- The specific firms, contract values, and responses from the UK government and named companies were not included in the material reviewed.
The UK holds billions of dollars in public contracts with companies tied to Israeli settlements on occupied land, according to an investigation published by Al Jazeera on 28 August 2026. The report says public money is flowing to firms linked to settlements that are widely regarded as illegal under international law.
Al Jazeera framed its findings around the flow of taxpayer money to businesses with ties to activity in occupied territory, and characterised the settlements as being on occupied land, a status that underpins their description as illegal.
The reporting raises questions about the extent to which UK public procurement intersects with companies linked to the settlements, including how government contracts are awarded and monitored.
As of publication, the account is based solely on Al Jazeera’s investigation. The specific firms involved, the value of the contracts, and responses from the UK government and the companies named were not included in the information available. These details could not be independently verified.
Why it matters
Public procurement decisions carry legal and ethical weight, particularly when they intersect with territory widely regarded as occupied under international law. The report raises questions about transparency and oversight in how UK taxpayer money is spent and which companies benefit.
Frequently asked questions
What did the Al Jazeera investigation find?
According to Al Jazeera, the UK holds billions in contracts with companies tied to Israeli settlements, with public money flowing to firms linked to settlements on occupied land.
Why are the settlements described as illegal?
The report describes the settlements as being built on occupied land, a status widely regarded as illegal under international law.
When was the report published?
Al Jazeera published the investigation on 28 August 2026.