LONDON (AP) — The United Kingdom on September 8, 2026, announced a ban on trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, citing accusations of ethnic cleansing against Palestinians by settlers. This move represents a significant shift in the UK's policy towards Israel. France and Canada have indicated they will implement similar measures to address the expansion of settlements and associated violence, which they believe threaten the establishment of a future Palestinian state.
In response to the UK's decision, Israel expressed strong disapproval and announced plans to close the British consulate in Jerusalem. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband stated that the UK will prohibit imports of all goods from the settlements and restrict companies from providing services related to the settlements, including financing and construction.
Miliband remarked, "I do not believe the British people want us supporting the occupation by accepting products from settlements in our shops and supermarkets."
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a joint statement asserting that settlement expansion and violence pose a direct threat to the two-state solution, emphasizing the urgency of their actions.
The economic impact of the ban is expected to be limited, as settlements primarily produce a small volume of agricultural exports. However, the decision serves as a symbolic expression of discontent with Israel among its allies and highlights the increasing isolation of the Israeli government amid the ongoing Gaza conflict.
Miliband expressed a sense of shame regarding the situation in Palestine and reiterated the UK's commitment to the two-state solution. He mentioned that the ban would take effect within six to nine months and noted support from several other European countries for similar actions.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar condemned the UK's decision, stating that it would lead to the expulsion of UK representatives from a joint military center monitoring the Gaza ceasefire and halt UK training of the Palestinian Authority's security forces. Additionally, Israel has barred entry to certain British lawmakers and citizens deemed involved in anti-Israel activities.
Under the current Israeli government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, settlement construction in the West Bank has increased significantly. The international community largely views such construction as illegal, with particular concern regarding the E1 settlement project, which would divide Palestinian territories.
Miliband stated that the UK now considers Israel's occupation of the West Bank illegal, a shift from previous positions. This change is likely to be welcomed by Labour voters and lawmakers advocating for stronger actions against Israel.
Concerns have been raised about the potential for increased support for Netanyahu amid his reelection campaign and the risk of antisemitic violence in the UK. The UK’s chief rabbi described the day as "a dark day for British Jews."
Opposition Conservative Party foreign affairs spokesman Tom Tugendhat warned that the UK's actions could exacerbate sectarian divisions and increase antisemitic violence.
Israeli officials, including President Isaac Herzog, criticized the ban as a grave miscalculation and interference in Israel's democratic processes. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee also condemned the decision, suggesting it could lead to repercussions from the U.S. government.
Miliband, whose family fled to the UK from Nazi Germany, clarified that the UK’s stance is not against the people of Israel but against the actions of its government. He emphasized the UK's commitment to peace and security in the region and the pursuit of a two-state solution.