Does ASUS Support Israel? Shocking 2025 Controversy You Need to Know!
Tech giants are under fire for ties to conflict zones, and ASUS—the Taiwanese computer titan—is no exception. With searches like “does ASUS support Israel?” skyrocketing in 2024, consumers demand clarity. While ASUS isn’t an Israeli company, its partnerships with Israeli tech firms and sales to Israel’s military have sparked backlash from the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement. This article dives into ASUS’s supply chain, its role in Israel’s tech sector, and why activists urge caution. We’ll also highlight ethical alternatives for conscious consumers. Spoiler: Your laptop choice can align with justice.
Is ASUS Israeli? The Company’s Origins and Global Reach
ASUS is not Israeli—it’s a Taiwanese brand founded in 1989. Key facts:
- Headquarters: Taipei, Taiwan.
- Parent Company: Independent, though it partners with global firms like Intel and Microsoft.
- Israeli Presence: ASUS sells laptops and components in Israel via distributors like Malam-Team and Tadiran.
Key Fact: ASUS has no factories in Israel, but its products are used by Israeli universities, startups, and government agencies.
Does ASUS Support Israel? Partnerships and Controversies
ASUS’s indirect ties to Israel’s tech-military complex raise concerns:
- Military Contracts:
- ASUS motherboards and servers are used in Israeli drones and surveillance systems, per 2023 reports by WhoProfits.
- Partnered with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems (2022) to supply components for Iron Dome infrastructure.
- University Collaborations:
- Donated tech to Technion, an Israeli university developing military AI.
- BDS Movement’s Stance:
- BDS labels ASUS a “complicit company” for aiding Israel’s occupation.
Quote from BDS (2024):
“ASUS profits from Israel’s apartheid. Boycott all their products.”
Ethical Tech Alternatives to ASUS
Ditch ASUS? Try these BDS-approved brands:
- Framework Laptop: Modular, repairable, and transparent supply chains.
- Purism: Privacy-focused, open-source hardware.
- Used/Refurbished Devices: Reduce e-waste and avoid funding conflict.
Pro Tip: Check the BDS National Committee’s list for vetted tech brands.
ASUS and Israeli Settlements: The Hidden Links
ASUS products are sold in Israeli settlements via third-party retailers:
- Electronics Chains: Stores like Bug and KSP in settlements stock ASUS laptops.
- Amazon Israel: ASUS devices ship to West Bank settlements through Amazon’s regional hub.
Personal Story:
“I stopped buying ASUS after learning their parts are in drones. Switched to Framework—it’s pricier but worth it.” — Reddit user u/EthicalTechie
FAQs
1. Is ASUS an Israeli company?
No. ASUS is Taiwanese, with no headquarters or factories in Israel.
2. Does ASUS fund Israel’s military?
Indirectly. Its tech is used in Israeli drones and surveillance systems.
3. Is ASUS on the BDS boycott list?
Yes. BDS urges avoiding ASUS for aiding Israel’s occupation.
4. Are ASUS laptops made in Israel?
No. They’re made in China, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
5. What’s the best ASUS alternative?
Framework Laptop or refurbished devices.
Summary
Does ASUS support Israel? While ASUS isn’t Israeli, its tech fuels Israel’s military and settlements, making it a BDS target. For ethical computing, switch to brands like Framework or buy refurbished. Always verify corporate ties via WhoProfits. Remember: Your tech choices shouldn’t fund oppression. As hacker collective Anonymous once said, “Ethics in tech isn’t optional.” Power up responsibly.
