Analysed: Trinity College Cambridge Invests in Israeli Arms Manufacturer and over £2.5m in companies funding conflict in Gaza

Trinity College Cambridge has invested £61, 735 in Israel’s largest arms company, Elbit Systems.

Elbit reportedly supplies up to 85% of Israel’s drones and land-based military equipment, describing its Hermes 450 drones – which have been used by Israel for strikes on Hamas targets in Gaza in recent months – as “the backbone of the Israeli Defence Forces”.

The arms firm’s chief executive, Bezhalel Machlis, said in November that it had “ramped up” its weapons production “in support of the Israel MOD [Ministry of Defence] and Israel’s security forces”.

Trinity College’s investment in Elbit Security comes alongside investments of £2.5m in Caterpillar, a heavy equipment company that has sold bulldozers to the Israeli Army, according to an FOI investigation conducted by The Middle East Eye.

Elbit Systems has faced continual criticism over its drones being used in military operations.

Earlier this month, Japanese trading company Itochu cut ties with Elbit in response to the International Court of Justice’s ruling that Israel may be commiting genocide in Gaza.

“Taking into consideration the International Court of Justice’s order on January 26, and that the Japanese government supports the role of the Court, we have already suspended new activities,” said Itochu’s Chief Financial Officer, Tsoyoshi Hachimura.

Analysed: Continued UK Investment in Elbit Security coincides with Trinity’s “pick-n-mix” investment strategy

The investments are “incompatible with Trinity’s ideals of fostering an environment of learning and innovation”, said Brajan Budini of Trinity College.

“We as an academic body enjoy an amazing learning environment, something which students and academics in Gaza cannot afford,” he continued.

The revelations about Trinity’s investments in Elbit system come alongside reports of a new Ministry of Defence contract, dated 17 January, with the company.

This represents the first time Britain has struck a deal with Elbit’s UK subsidiary since Israel laid siege to Gaza following the 7 October attacks by Hamas, as revealed by an OpenDemocracy Investigation (14/02). This comes as Labour has called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.

“This is no longer a question of politics but rather a question of humanity. I am sure that I and many others came to Trinity and to Cambridge to do good. I hope the college can honour that”

Angelica Akrami, Student at Trinity College Cambridge.

Student Angelica Akrami pressed Trinity, which boasts around £1.5bn in its endowment, to divest from firms such as Elbit Systems, adding that she felt complicit over “the unspeakable loss of life in Gaza”.

Trinity College has adopted a “pick-n-mix” approach to divestment, suggested Jonathan Purcell, a senior public affairs and communications officer at the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP).

Since the college was revealed to be the largest supplier of fossil fuels in the University, the college pledged to fully divest from fossil fuels by 2031.

“Trinity will take measures, beyond divestment, to reduce the carbon footprint of its portfolio and encourage biodiversity. Climate change is an issue that matters deeply to Trinity College,” said Richard Turnill, senior bursar who oversees the college’s finances.

Trinity College, Cambridge, and Trinity College Student Union (TCSU) have been contacted for comment. Reporting is ongoing.