The Spanish government has announced that it will investigate companies advertising products or services originating from Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories, following a new regulation aimed at preventing businesses from profiting from the occupation.
The measure, introduced last week, is part of a broader policy package that includes arms embargoes on Israel, which Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described as a response to what he called the “genocide in Gaza.”
“No company should have its balance sheet stained with the blood of the Palestinian people,” said Consumer Protection Minister Pablo Bustinduy, emphasizing Spain’s commitment to ethical corporate practices.
Real Madrid President’s Company Cited
Among the companies initially listed is ACS, a Spanish construction firm led by Florentino Pérez, president of Real Madrid. ACS quickly requested removal from the list, stating that it sold its subsidiary SEMI, which operated in Israel, in 2021.
“ACS does not conduct any activity in Israel or Israeli settlements,” the company clarified in a statement.
The new regulation aligns with the United Nations database update, which lists 158 companies from 11 countries operating in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. While most of the international community considers these settlements illegal under international law, Israel maintains that many are legitimate. Some so-called “outposts” remain unauthorized but are often tolerated or eventually legalized.
Spain’s move signals a tougher stance on corporate complicity in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting growing European scrutiny over business activities linked to occupied territories.
