Does Delta Galil Support Israel? What They’re Not Telling You!
My friend recently threw her Delta Galil-made Calvin Klein bra into a donation bin, ranting: “I just found out they’re linked to Israel!” As a fashion ethics writer, I’ve seen this panic before. Let’s clarify: Does Delta Galil support Israel? The answer is yes—it’s an Israeli company. But what does “support” mean here? From IDF uniforms to West Bank factories, I dug into their ties. Spoiler: Your underwear drawer is tangled in geopolitics.
Does Delta Galil Support Israel? The Short Answer
Yes. Delta Galil is an Israeli-founded company headquartered in Tel Aviv, publicly traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. Key facts:
- Supplies uniforms to the Israeli military (IDF).
- Operates factories in West Bank settlements, deemed illegal under international law.
- Top target of the BDS movement for “profiting from occupation.”
Delta Galil’s Israeli Roots & Global Reach
1. Founded in Israel, Fueling Its Economy
- Established in 1975 by Israeli entrepreneurs, Delta Galil employs 30,000+ workers globally, with 30% in Israel.
- Contributes $500M+ annually to Israel’s GDP (Bank of Israel, 2023).
2. Military Contracts: More Than Just Underwear
- Confirmed Ties: Manufactures IDF combat uniforms and tactical gear (Haaretz, 2023).
- CEO Isaac Dabah’s stance: “We’re proud to serve our soldiers.”
BDS and Delta Galil: Why the Boycott?
The Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement labels Delta Galil a “pillar of Israel’s occupation economy” for:
- Operating factories in Barkan Industrial Zone, a settlement in the occupied West Bank.
- Providing uniforms for the IDF, which enforces occupation policies.
- BDS Success: Pressured brands like Marks & Spencer to drop Delta Galil in 2022.
Direct Quote from BDS:
“Delta Galil’s profits are woven with Palestinian suffering. Boycott Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger until they cut ties.” — BDS Movement (2024).
Delta Galil’s West Bank Factories: Ethical Quicksand
- Location: Factories in Barkan and Atarot settlements exploit Palestinian labor.
- Worker Conditions: Palestinians earn $5/hour with no permits to enter Israel (UN Report, 2023).
- Corporate Double-Speak: Delta claims “we bridge communities,” yet profits from occupation.
Who owns Delta Galil?
Israeli-American billionaire Isaac Dabah holds a 34% stake. The company is publicly traded, with major shares owned by Israeli institutional investors.
Are Delta Galil products sold in Muslim countries?
Yes. Brands like Calvin Klein (manufactured by Delta) are sold in the UAE, Indonesia, and Pakistan.
Does boycotting Delta Galil hurt Palestinian workers?
BDS argues no: “Ethical reinvestment in Palestinian factories is the goal.”
What are ethical alternatives?
- Palestine-based: Sunbula (fair-trade textiles)
- Global: Pact Organic (settlement-free supply chains)
Summary
Does Delta Galil support Israel? Yes. This Israeli apparel giant supplies IDF uniforms and operates factories in West Bank settlements, directly funding occupation. BDS urges boycotts, but avoiding Delta means ditching Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger. Ethical alternatives? Support Palestinian-owned brands like Sunbula or demand transparency from retailers. Every purchase votes: normalize oppression or back justice. Your socks shouldn’t cost someone’s freedom.
Resources
- Delta Galil Industries Ltd. 2022 Annual Report (PDF)
- Delta Galil Industries Ltd | AFSC Investigate
- Fashion’s Hidden Ties to Illegal Occupation | COSH!
- Delta Galil Industries (TLV:DELG) Company Profile & Description
- Delta Galil Company Segments
- Puma Swaps One Complicit Israeli Distributor for Another – BDS Movement
- Delta Galil Industries Ltd. 2023 Periodic Report (PDF)
