Editorial
Cyber investigation has revealed that Facebook has allowed over 100 paid advertisements promoting illegal Israeli settlements and far-right settler activity in the occupied West Bank. The findings have raised serious concerns about the platform’s role in potentially violating international law and profiting from such content.
Among the ads identified, several promoted property sales in settlements on stolen Palestinian land, including ads targeting buyers in Israel, the UK, and the US. The promotion of these settlements, deemed illegal under international law, continues despite Meta’s claims that it reviews all advertisements for compliance with its policies. Legal experts argue that by accepting payment and publishing these ads, Meta may be complicit in facilitating violations of international law. Some of the ads even celebrated the demolition of Palestinian homes, schools, and playgrounds, while others solicited funds for Israeli military operations in Gaza.
Real estate companies like Ramat Aderet and Gabai Real Estate were found to be behind these ads, advertising homes in settlements such as Ariel and Ma’ale Adumim. These settlements were expanded with government approval, including from Israel’s far-right finance minister. The advertisements framed the settlements as desirable, with one listing describing a luxurious mansion as a “dream home” near Jerusalem, without addressing their controversial and illegal nature.
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In addition, 50 ads from the far-right settler group Regavim called for the demolition of Palestinian infrastructure, including schools and water parks. These groups, some of which receive government funding, advocate for the destruction of Palestinian properties and land.
Legal experts have criticized Meta for facilitating these ads, arguing that by allowing such content, the platform is indirectly supporting criminal activities. The investigation has prompted calls for greater accountability from social media giants to prevent the spread of harmful and potentially illegal content.
