The armored bulldozer, produced by taxes-based Caterpillar, the Israeli military is using to “spearhead” its land invasion of Gaza has promoted fears over its use. In October 2023, the father of the late peace activist Rachel Corrie, who was crushed to death by a D9R bulldozer as she tried to protect homes in southern Gaza from being demolished, referred to the bulldozers as war machines and expressed his fear over its use.

On 16 December 2023, reports from NGOs and independent journalists in Gaza stated that the Israeli army has allegedly buried wounded Palestinian civilians alive outside of Kamal Adwan Hospital in the Gaza Strip’s northern town of Beit Lahia, after nine consecutive days of total siege of the hospital. The NGO Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor demanded an international investigation into the nine days long siege and the reports of the bulldozers being used to run over Palestinian civilians.

Caterpillar did not respond to these recent reports and allegations.

The Caterpillar D9 bulldozers have a long controversial history due to its use in military operations in Gaza, such as the 2008-09 Israeli operation, and for its use in home demolitions belonging to the Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. In an older 2012 response to allegations of the bulldozers use in home demolitions, Caterpillar highlighted the strict anti-boycott requirements under two U.S. laws – the Tax Reform Act of 1976 and the Export Administration Act. They stated “These laws are intended to stop U.S. and U.S. related companies from supporting or participating in boycotts not sanctioned by the U.S. government. Penalties for violations of the U.S. anti-boycott laws can be severe - they may include significant civil and criminal penalties and prohibitions on future exporting privileges and denial of tax benefits.”

Caterpillar has been targeted for divestment by the BDS movement and human rights NGOs over its continued work with Israeli government and forces despite the serious allegations of grave human rights violations against them.