Top Global Companies Supporting Israel: What You Need to Know
Pal Plus – Business & Economy
Several American and Western companies are at the center of calls for boycott due to their support for the Israeli army amid its ongoing aggression in Gaza. These corporations provide financial, technological, and logistical aid to the Israeli military, prompting widespread campaigns on social media across the Arab and Islamic world.
McDonald’s: Direct Support for the Israeli Army
Fast-food giant McDonald’s reportedly provides over 4,000 meals daily to the Israeli army and settlers in Gaza border settlements and hospitals. The company also offers 50% discounts to Israeli soldiers and security forces visiting its restaurants.
Images of soldiers receiving free meals sparked #BoycottMcDonalds campaigns in Turkey and several Arab countries. Some regional branches, including Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, issued statements clarifying their independence from the Israeli branches and highlighted their humanitarian support for the people of Gaza.
Papa John’s & Pizza Hut: Free Meals for Israeli Soldiers
US pizza chains Papa John’s and Pizza Hut have provided thousands of free meals to Israeli soldiers since the launch of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. Pizza Hut Israel has shared images of soldiers receiving meals on Instagram with the caption: “Happy to help.” The company has previously faced backlash for a campaign mocking Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike.
Coca-Cola: Ongoing Financial Support
Reports indicate that Coca-Cola provides significant financial support to the Israeli government and far-right groups promoting Zionist agendas. The company has funded organizations protecting Israeli soldiers from legal accountability and supported settlement projects in the West Bank.
HP (Hewlett-Packard): Technological Aid
Hewlett-Packard assists Israel in managing identity systems that restrict Palestinian movement, fueling concerns about surveillance and oppression. Activists have called for boycotting HP products in Arab countries to protest this support.
Hyundai Heavy Industries: Machinery for Settlement Expansion
Israel uses machinery from Hyundai Heavy Industries in building settlements and demolishing Palestinian homes in Jerusalem, the Negev, and the occupied Golan Heights. This makes the company part of the support network facilitating Israeli occupation.
French Companies: AXA and Carrefour
Major French corporations such as AXA and Carrefour are involved in financial transactions supporting Israeli projects, including settlement construction in the West Bank. European watchdogs have criticized these investments as violations of international law.
Calls for Boycott to Support Palestinians
In response to global corporate support for Israel, activists and civil society groups have urged boycotting these companies and their products. The aim is to pressure corporations to stop supporting the occupation and to provide solidarity with the Palestinian people facing displacement and military aggression.
