UK announces import ban, sanctions on Israeli settlementsBy Riley Stuart in London
Posted Tue 8 Sep 2026 at 10:59pmTue 8 Sep 2026 at 10:59pmTue 8 Sep 2026 at 10:59pm
Britain will ban imports from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and sanction Israeli individuals and businesses which work to expand them, in a symbolic move that could reshape Western foreign policy in the region.
Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday afternoon, local time, the United Kingdom’s Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said his announcement “marked the start of a new approach” for his country.
The move by Britain’s Labour government is not expected to have a significant effect on either country’s economy.
However, it does represent a G7 nation toughening its stance against Israel, which has historically been considered one of the UK’s closest allies.
The specifics of Britain’s plan have not been announced, although Mr Miliband told the Commons his country would ban imports from Israeli settlements and “take action” against companies and individuals that provide services, such as construction or finance, for settlement expansion.
“You will face the full force of UK sanctions,” he said.
The UK’s announcement was widely telegraphed ahead of Mr Miliband’s speech, and drew condemnation from right-wing politicians in Israel, the country’s president Isaac Herzog and US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee earlier in the day.
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