UK to Ban Trade With Israeli West Bank Settlements

The Government of the United Kingdom is preparing to announce a ban on trade with Israeli settlements in the second week of September 2026. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced a comprehensive reset of British policy, pledging measures to prevent UK companies from financing, constructing, or advertising illegal settlements in the West Bank.

Miliband identified the E1 settlement project, which involves building homes between East Jerusalem and Ma’ale Adumim, as a red line. He stated the project risks making a Palestinian state unviable and vowed that the government would not acquiesce in the destruction of the two-state solution. This policy shift follows Israeli tenders for approximately 1,234 homes, representing one-third of the planned 3,400 units in the E1 area.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham supports the trade ban, aligning the UK with similar policies in Ireland, Spain, and the Netherlands. While the move has the endorsement of nearly 250 MPs and half of the British public, it faces expected opposition from the Reform and Conservative parties.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar warned that Israel would retaliate if Britain acts against the state, describing the move as a major mistake. Potential responses from the Government of Israel include expelling British officials from the International Gaza Support Center. The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly tracking the development.