UN signs agreements with Israeli security firms: Report

JERUSALEM

The UN has recently signed agreements worth tens of millions of Israeli shekels with Israeli security companies headquartered in Africa, Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported Thursday.

According to the newspaper, the UN issued an emergency tender with a view to purchasing defense systems for UN bases and facilities.

The UN reportedly approached firms from around the world specialized in making remote sensors capable of detecting precision-guided munitions.

“Three of the five companies contacted by the UN were Israeli,” Yedioth Ahronoth reported.

According to the paper, the contract was ultimately won by Israeli company MER, with which the UN signed an $8-million deal for the next three years.

Israeli water-treatment technology company Odis, meanwhile, reportedly won a separate UN tender worth $42 million.

According to Israeli figures, Israeli companies sold a total of $52 million worth of products and services to the UN last year -- and this amount is reportedly expected to rise further in the coming period.

Israeli company executives were reportedly introduced to UN officials by Israel’s delegation to the UN headed by Ambassador Danny Danon, who had organized several events to promote Israeli acquisition deals.

"Diplomacy offers numerous opportunities for the advancement of Israel and Israeli industry," Danon was quoted as saying by Yedioth Ahronoth.

"I am proud of these Israeli companies for joining forces with the UN and becoming an integral part of the organization's activities worldwide," Danon asserted.

There has been no comment from the UN regarding the newspaper’s assertions.

The reported acquisition deals come as Israel tries to enhance its ties with African states in hopes of preempting African support for Palestinian statehood in UN forums.

Israel frequently accuses the world body of harboring an "anti-Israel", "pro-Palestine" bias.