Ahava has confirmed that it intends to open a production facility on land internationally recognised as belonging to Israel.

The Dead Sea cosmetics firm, which has come under fire across the globe for its West Bank factory, will open a facility in Ein Gedi – although it is unclear whether the new plant will replace its current operations in Mitzpeh Shalem.

“In light of expanding production needs due to the success in marketing Ahava products around the world and expected changes in cosmetic product manufacturing standards in certain Western countries, Ahava will establish an additional plant at Kibbutz Ein Gedi,” a spokesperson for the company told Haaretz.