Four Spanish firms are involved in constructing new tram lines in Jerusalem that reach Palestinian territories occupied by Israel: CAFGMV, TYPSA, and COMSA. This latest firm, together with Israeli J-Train partners, will lead the construction and maintenance of the new blue tram line in the Holy City for the next 35 years, according to Noticias de Israel, citing the Treasury Department of the country.
The consortium including the Catalan company won a 2.2 billion euro competition, according to Expansión. The new 31-kilometer line is planned to start from Gilo, a site described by critics as an isolated area within the Palestinian sector of the 1967 borders recognized by many in the international community.
COMSA has earned its place in this competition alongside CAF and its Israeli partner Shapir, who are currently operating on the red and green lines. The project reportedly has connections with Israeli settlements. According to Israel News, COMSA’s bid was about 30 percent cheaper than competing bids in terms of maintaining the lines.
Two other Spanish companies involved in Jerusalem light rail operations under CAF subcontract include GMV of Madrid, tasked with automatic location systems for vehicles, and TIPSA, which contributes to the design process.
Lines involved in the discussion
The participation of Spanish companies in these projects has drawn strong criticism from organizations such as Amnesty International and the Committee of Solidarity with the Arab Cause, which argue that the projects reinforce Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory.
In 2017 the UN Human Rights Council labeled the tram project illegal, noting violations of several resolutions. Amnesty International and other international railway groups reportedly declined to participate in the public tenders.
The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism asked CAF and GMV to produce an analysis by an independent third party within one year focusing on the impact on local employment. CAF responded with a report that claimed its activities in East Jerusalem did not indicate a failure of human rights due diligence systems, though the report avoided detailing the broader impact of the railway’s construction on the occupation.
Both companies faced questions about the industry’s transparency regarding controversial aspects and potential risks. When CAF acquired the project three years ago, the topic did not appear in its press materials or official statements about the project, which affected the perception of the light rail plan.
The ministerial body also reminded partners and suppliers of the need to comply with OECD guidelines for multinational companies. It cited correspondence from 2014 in which the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned about risks related to economic and financial activities in Israeli settlements, aligning with EU stance and similar actions by Germany and the United Kingdom, as well as France and Italy. Business with Israel is continued within internationally recognized borders as defined by various parties. The project aims to connect with the Israeli portion of Jerusalem.
The Committee of Solidarity with the Arab Cause notes that the new Jerusalem tram route passes through settlements in occupied Palestinian territory and on one line (the Red line) is linked to UN Human Rights Council Resolution 31/36. This resolution outlines concerns about violations of international law, including the normalization of occupation and infrastructure support connected to displacing Palestinians, actions viewed as prohibited by the Geneva Convention and multiple UN Security Council resolutions, such as 2334 from 2016.
CAF is a publicly traded multinational railway company headquartered in Beasain, Gipuzkoa, with more than 13,000 employees and a 2022 turnover exceeding 3 billion euros. GMV is based in Tres Cantos, Madrid, employing over 3,000 people and reporting revenues around 260 million in 2021, with responsibilities spanning train management and location systems, including stations on sites described as settlements. COMSA is a Barcelona-based infrastructure development and industrial engineering group reporting a 2022 turnover of 886 million euros and a workforce of 5,227. TIPSA operates with roughly 3,100 employees and reported revenues of 266 million in 2021.