An Israeli government document obtained by Al Jazeera reveals that authorities compiled a spreadsheet containing information on more than 150 international charities during 2013. The file included basic organizational details such as leadership names, contact information, and operational focus areas for each listed entity.
Fifteen organizations received additional notations in a comments section that characterized their positions on Israel-related issues. Remarks included descriptions such as “critic of Israel,” “involved in anti-Israel campaigning,” and “highly involved in BDS” for various organizations. The spreadsheet suggested that Oxfam was “active in global BDS efforts” and noted concerns that some NGOs encouraged international law violations by supporting West Bank projects without Israeli Civil Administration approval. Oxfam responded by stating that the characterizations “appear to reflect allegations and interpretations, rather than an objective assessment” and denied supporting the boycott movement.
According to observers, the document demonstrates Israel’s systematic approach to monitoring organizations perceived as threats regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict. The spreadsheet was created during a period when the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement gained international traction, including actions by prominent figures and institutions. Many of the comments sourced information from NGO Monitor, an Israeli-based organization that tracks what it describes as the anti-Israel NGO network. Scholars and advocacy groups characterized this monitoring as part of a broader pattern of surveillance and restriction against organizations supporting Palestinian rights.
Experts noted the document appears connected to Israel’s subsequent legislative actions, including a 2017 law that prohibited entry to BDS supporters. The file lists numerous organizations from multiple countries, including Oxfam, World Vision International, Medico International, and the Norwegian Refugee Council. Representatives from several organizations disputed the characterizations, arguing they had not formally endorsed boycott campaigns while defending the right of others to do so. The monitoring activity reflects longstanding tensions between international humanitarian organizations and Israeli authorities over operations in occupied territories.