‘Our land is not for sale’: Italian activists challenge Israeli-linked solar projects

Italian farmers and activists are protesting against an Israeli-linked solar project in Ribolla, central Italy, claiming it threatens their land rights. The campaign, led by Diritti In Palestina, began when activists traced the ownership of Shikun & Binui Energy, an Israeli company with ties to Israel's military, to operate the agrivoltaics park project.

Shikun & Binui intends to build five solar power plants across Tuscany under five special-purpose vehicle (SPV) companies established in Milan. The land lease contracts are signed by one SPV, SPV Energy 3, which has no employees and a share capital of only €2,500. The activists found that the company has no background in energy or farming and is linked to Israel's illegal activities in the occupied West Bank and occupied Golan Heights.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has added Shikun & Binui to its blacklist over its illegal activities. The project has drawn opposition from civil society due to concerns about the area's emerging strategic role and its proximity to the port of Livorno. Critics argue that agrivoltaics, despite being marketed as a green solution, can be a form of greenwashing and further exploit rural areas in crisis.