Shetland Islands Council has agreed to examine its financial investments in companies with links to the Israeli Government, following a motion proposed under urgent notice.
During a council meeting on Monday, Councillor Dennis Leask presented the motion on behalf of Councillor Alex Armitage, who was unable to attend. The motion cited recent findings from the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel, which concluded that Israel had committed genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
The council has now directed its Director of Finance to review all financial holdings connected to the Israeli Government and report back with recommendations on how the authority could potentially divest from those assets.
The motion was officially moved by Councillor Dennis Leask and seconded by Councillor Stephen Leask.
The investigation aims to ensure that the council’s investments align with its ethical and humanitarian principles, as public bodies across the UK continue to face growing pressure to scrutinise financial ties to companies involved in international conflicts.
