G4S sells off Israeli security arm after pressure groups’ protest

G4S today sold off its Israeli security business for £88 million in a victory for pressure groups who have long campaigned against the company’s controversial operations in the country.

The world’s biggest security firm said Israeli private-equity company FIMI will buy G4S Israel, which provides services and equipment to prisons, checkpoints and police.

G4S denies accusations of complicity in human rights abuses of Palestinian prisoners, including torture, triggering action from the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement.

BDS claims a string of organisations, including the Labour party and University College London, have chosen to end contracts with G4S as a result.

G4S announced in 2013 that it would pull out of key contracts in Israel and has denied the decision is related to anti-Israel pressure. Today boss Ashley Almanza reiterated the sale was part of the 2013 plan to “improve our strategic focus and capital discipline”.

“G4S Israel is a well-managed business that will grow and prosper as part of the FIMI group,” he added.

The firm will retain a presence in Israel through Policity, the flagship national police training centre it owns in partnership with FIMI and infrastructure group Shikun & Binui.

War on Want’s Ryvka Barnard said G4S remains complicit in human rights abuses through its ownership of and investment in the facility.

“If G4S was concerned about human rights, it would leave the Israeli market completely,” she added.