Spanish rail manufacturer CAF has taken a strong stance on its role in the Jerusalem light rail project. The company, officially known as Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles, supplies 114 Urbos light rail vehicles to the city. CAF has faced criticism for its involvement, yet it continues to insist its work is both lawful and beneficial.
The debate comes as global pressure mounts on foreign companies that operate in Israel. Activists question the impact of projects that connect settlements with central Jerusalem. Critics argue that these links strengthen disputed policies in East Jerusalem. CAF, however, stresses its compliance with international law and its commitment to ethical business.
The Scope of CAF’s Involvement
CAF owns half of CFIR Light Rail, a joint venture with Shapir Civil and Marine Engineering. This partnership secured a €1.8 billion contract in 2019. The deal includes a 22-kilometer extension to the Green Line and a 6.8-kilometer addition to the Red Line. The project also includes operating and maintaining both lines for 15 years, with an option to extend to 25 years.
CAF is supplying the light rail vehicles, as well as essential infrastructure. These include power supply systems, communications, and modern signaling. The company is also upgrading 46 Citadis trains already in service on the Red Line. Despite these contributions, critics argue the project supports policies that harm Palestinians in East Jerusalem.
CAF’s Statement and Legal Analysis
On September 25, CAF issued a detailed public statement. The company highlighted its legal and human rights review of the project. Independent experts confirmed no breaches of law existed in the contract. CAF stressed that this review occurred before signing, and it continues to monitor compliance.
CAF explained that its due diligence concluded the project has positive effects. The light rail system, according to the company, improves access to essential services. It also provides an eco-friendly option for urban travel. CAF says these benefits extend to all communities in Jerusalem, including Arab residents.
Risk Assessments and Monitoring
The company detailed its three-level due diligence approach. General, enhanced, and intensified reviews guide CAF’s assessment of risks. These steps follow the United Nations guidelines for businesses operating in conflict-affected areas.
CAF explained that it uses this process to identify and reduce any human rights concerns. The company also said it will continue to update its monitoring as the project develops. This ensures that ethical and legal standards remain central to its work.
Emphasis on Compliance and Integrity
CAF underscored its strict compliance framework. The company said it enforces transparency and integrity across its operations. Contractors and partners fall under this system as well. By applying uniform rules, CAF aims to prevent misconduct at every stage of its supply chain.
The company’s statement stressed that it will remain accountable. CAF committed to tracking any significant issues and reporting them openly. It highlighted its willingness to respond to criticism with facts, transparency, and clear evidence of compliance.
Critics Demand Greater Accountability
Despite CAF’s defense, critics remain unconvinced. Human rights groups and political organizations continue to question the project. They argue that any rail expansion in contested areas risks reinforcing disputed policies. These groups call for more scrutiny of foreign firms involved in Israeli infrastructure.
CAF counters this by stressing the system’s benefits. Improved transport, reduced traffic emissions, and better urban mobility serve all residents. The company points to the role of the light rail in providing sustainable, accessible travel. It maintains that these goals align with global standards for responsible infrastructure.
Broader Business and Political Context
The situation highlights a wider challenge for global companies. Firms that operate in conflict regions must balance business aims with human rights concerns. Investors, governments, and activists now demand stricter accountability. Companies like CAF must show not only profit but also proof of ethical conduct.
CAF acknowledges this responsibility. It frames its Jerusalem project as a case study in responsible business. The company claims that it represents a model of sustainable transport built on fairness and compliance. Critics, however, continue to question whether such goals can exist in politically sensitive projects.
Looking Toward 2027 and Beyond
The Jerusalem light rail expansion is scheduled for completion by 2027. Once finished, the system will cover more ground and carry more passengers than ever before. CAF hopes its role will highlight its engineering skill and ethical commitment.
The company also sees the project as part of its broader international reputation. CAF wants to prove it can deliver complex infrastructure in challenging contexts. Its leaders argue that the project demonstrates both technical ability and responsible practice.
Conclusion
CAF’s defense of its work in Jerusalem highlights the tension between business interests and political realities. The company insists that its involvement follows the law and promotes sustainability. Critics, meanwhile, continue to argue that such projects carry political implications.
As the light rail expands, the debate will intensify. CAF’s commitment to due diligence and ethical standards will remain under scrutiny. The company’s reputation, along with the future of the project, will depend on its ability to prove that its promises match reality.
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
