Cemex complicit in Israel’s violations of international law

Mexican multinational building materials company Cemex says it is “committed to abide by the laws and regulations of every jurisdiction in which we operate.”[1] However, research by Who Profits?, a project of the Israeli Coalition of Women for Peace, reveals a different picture. It found that the company is, in fact, involved in several illegal activities in the occupied West Bank, Adri Nieuwhof writes.

Digging up the Golan Heights

Quarry site belonging to Merom Golan

The settlers of Merom Golan have establised a quarry site in the occupied Golan heights on Mount Hermonit (Tel as-Sheikh) near Al-Rom junction. The site is thought to extract sand for gardening and making cement.

Merom Golan is an illegal settlement of 497 people established in 1967 on the land of the Syrian village of Al Mansura.

The quarrying at Hermonit is in violation of international law as it constitutes “Destroying or seizing the property of an adversary unless such destruction or seizure be imperatively demanded by the necessities of the conflict.” (war crime,  Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court). Several other settler quarry sites are operating in the occupied Golan Heights.

The machines being used bore the trademarks of Volvo (digger), Ingersoll Rand (Lighting gantry), Telex Supertrax/Turbo Chieftain (conveyer belt).

The site was staffed by Syrian Golan Heights workers.