Israel rejects U.N. report on companies linked to settlements

By Stephanie Nebehay GENEVA (Reuters) - The United Nations human rights office said on Wednesday it had identified 206 companies doing business linked to unlawful Israeli settlements in the West Bank and it urged them to avoid any complicity in "pervasive" violations against Palestinians. Israel fears that companies listed on any U.N. "blacklist" could be targeted for boycotts or divestment aimed at stepping up pressure over its settlements, which most countries and the world body view as illegal. "Businesses play a central role in furthering the establishment, maintenance and expansion of Israeli settlements," the U.N. report said.

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