Arab companies still trading kosher-certified food products to Israel 

Hundreds of food products made by companies in Arab states have been certified as kosher and many are still being sold in Israel, according to the findings of an investigation published jointly by Middle East Eye and Arabic Post.

The investigation highlights enduring trade links between Israel and a number of regional countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan and Morocco since the start of the war in Gaza, even as Israel has faced international condemnation and calls for a trade boycott over accusations of genocide and the killing of more than 37,000 Palestinians.

According a database of kosher-certified products published by the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, new certificates have been approved for dozens of products manufactured in these countries since October last year.

MEE also found examples of kosher-certified products imported from Arab countries on sale on shelves in Israeli supermarkets and online.

The Chief Rabbinate of Israel is a religious institution that issues kosher certificates, indicating compliance with Jewish law, which are necessary for food products intended for sale in most Israeli shops and supermarkets.

Some companies contacted by MEE and Arabic Post denied exporting goods to Israel, but said their products may have found their way into Israeli markets via companies and distributors in third countries.

Others said their products were intended for Palestinian markets, although kosher certification is not required for products marketed only to Palestinians in Israel or the occupied territories.

Read more: Arab companies still trading kosher-certified food products to Israel