UK ban on settlement trade leaves British-Israeli ties at decades-low

September 9, 2026 at 01:45 AM2 min

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Britain banned trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, triggering Israel's closure of the UK consulate in East Jerusalem and removal of British representatives from the Gaza support centre. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said the measures reflect the government's view that the occupation is unlawful. The move leaves British-Israeli relations at their lowest ebb in decades.

Key Facts

Britain banned trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including products and companies providing construction, infrastructure, or finance to settlements.
Israel closed the UK consulate in East Jerusalem and removed British representatives from the International Gaza Support Centre.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said settler terrorism is rampant and responsible for ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in parts of the West Bank.
The ban was part of a coordinated move by 12 countries, including France, Spain, and Canada.
Britain now agrees with the 2024 International Court of Justice ruling that the occupation as a whole is unlawful.

The Ban

Britain banned trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including products and companies providing construction, infrastructure, or finance to settlements. The measures also include restrictions on arms sales that materially contribute to the occupation. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said the government's economic relationships must reflect the view that the occupation is unlawful. The ban was part of a coordinated move by 12 countries, including France, Spain, and Canada.

Israel's Response

Israel closed the UK consulate in East Jerusalem, which serves the West Bank and deals directly with the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah. Israel also removed British representatives from the International Gaza Support Centre, the body set up last year to coordinate stabilisation and relief efforts in the Gaza Strip. Officials in London seemed taken aback by the speed and ferocity of Israel's reaction.

Miliband's Statement

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said settler terrorism is rampant and responsible for ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in parts of the West Bank. He said the Israeli government turned a blind eye to this and worse. Miliband called the policy a reset in British policy. Britain now agrees with the 2024 International Court of Justice ruling that the occupation as a whole is unlawful.