Britain announces measures targeting Israel-linked settlement activity in the occupied West Bank, following international opposition to the E1 settlement project, which is widely described as cutting the territory in two. The UK Foreign Office says it will coordinate with partners to impose sanctions on “networks financing and enabling settler attacks against Palestinians” and to sanction six entities and one individual. The UK also introduces, for the first time, an explicit policy message advising businesses against economic and financial activity in illegal Israeli settlements, while continuing to support trade with Israel “within 1967 lines.”
According to reports cited by outlets, the UK had previously been expected to consider broader steps, including potential restrictions on imports of settlement goods, but it is unclear whether that goes as far as an import ban. In parallel, more than 140 MPs—including Labour chairs of parliamentary select committees and figures such as Wes Streeting—press the government to end trade with illegal settlements. International legal references include a 2024 International Court of Justice opinion stating that Israel’s occupation and related settlement policies are unlawful.
The new UK actions also seek to address support for violence associated with settlement farms and outposts, with sanctions including groups described as financing or organizing settlement farming operations.
