Key facts
- Five human rights groups are suing the French government for failing to act against companies involved in financial activities in occupied Palestinian territories.
- The lawsuit was filed in France's highest administrative court, the Conseil d’État.
- Plaintiffs cite a July 2024 International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion that declared Israel's presence in the OPT unlawful.
- The case demands binding measures, including a registry of entities in settlements and prohibitions on trade and financial support.
- Evidence cited includes French companies operating in sectors like transportation, construction, and finance in the OPT, with Egis Rail mentioned for involvement in Jerusalem light rail construction.
Five human rights organizations have filed a lawsuit against the French government in the country's highest administrative court, alleging inaction in preventing French companies from engaging in financial activities within occupied Palestinian territories (OPT).
The plaintiffs initiated the case on Wednesday, asserting that the government has failed to implement recommendations from a July 2024 International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion. This opinion declared Israel's presence in the OPT unlawful and mandated that states prevent economic activities sustaining the occupation.
While several EU nations have taken measures targeting Israeli settlement policies, France has only recognized the State of Palestine and declared the occupation illegal, without enacting specific economic actions. The government has issued recommendations to French businesses operating in the West Bank, warning of potential violations of international law.
The lawsuit, targeting the prime minister and relevant ministers, deems the government's passivity unlawful and seeks judicial intervention. The groups are pushing for binding measures, including an official registry of French entities involved in illegal settlements, prohibitions on trade and financial support for settlement-linked activities, and disqualification of such firms from government procurement.
The ICJ ruling stipulates that all states must refrain from commercial dealings with Israel concerning the OPT that could entrench its unlawful presence and must actively prevent trade or investment relations supporting this status quo. James Goldston, executive director of the Open Society Justice Initiative, emphasized that international law requires practical implementation by states.
The claimant organizations—the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), Jurists for the Respect of International Law (JURDI), the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP), La Ligue des Droits Humains (LDH), and Law for Palestine—cited evidence of French companies operating in sectors such as transportation, construction, finance, and commercial services in the OPT. Egis Rail group was specifically mentioned for its involvement in the construction of the Jerusalem light rail connecting West Jerusalem to settlements in East Jerusalem, as listed by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
The case is anticipated to take up to a year to reach a conclusion, involving a written procedure phase where ministers will respond to the claims, followed by claimants' replies, and finally a hearing before the Conseil d’État. If successful, the lawsuit is expected to set a precedent for how governments regulate corporate conduct linked to serious international law violations. Tayab Ali, director of the ICJP, stated that the case aims to move beyond expressions of concern toward accountability, asserting that international legal obligations should be enforceable in independent courts.