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Israel has responded angrily to Britain’s decision to restrict trade in goods from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, announcing plans to close the British Consulate in East Jerusalem.
The tit-for-tat measures highlight the growing strain between the two countries, with relations reaching one of their worst points in decades.
The UK is among 12 countries to have taken steps against imports from Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Spain, France and Canada have also imposed sanctions on Israeli settlers.
British officials had expected a hostile response from Israel after London shifted its policy on the Israel-Palestine conflict. But the speed and intensity of Israel’s reaction may have surprised them.
Last week, Israel announced plans to shut the British Consulate in East Jerusalem and removed British representatives from the International Gaza Support Centre, which was established last year to help coordinate humanitarian assistance and support efforts to restore stability in Gaza.
The British Consulate has played an important role in handling consular affairs involving the West Bank and maintaining direct contact with the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah.
Although goods produced in Israeli settlements make up only a small share of Israel’s exports, targeting them carries significant political implications.
For years, Britain and other governments have considered Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories illegal but had stopped short of banning products made or grown there.
In 2024, the International Court of Justice ruled that Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territories was unlawful. Britain has said it accepts that ruling.
British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has argued that the government’s economic ties should reflect its position on the occupation.
The latest measures go beyond trade restrictions. Britain has also targeted companies involved in construction, infrastructure development or financing in Israeli settlements, while imposing restrictions on the sale of weapons to Israel that could significantly contribute to the occupation.
The measures have been viewed by some as a much tougher response than expected.
Miliband, who has repeatedly expressed his support for Israel, has also become increasingly outspoken in his criticism of Israeli settlers. He said settler violence had become widespread and accused the Israeli government of turning a blind eye to violence against Palestinians.
He described the new sanctions as a “new beginning” for British foreign policy.
The developments have sharply strained UK-Israel relations. While some Israelis have condemned violence and extremist views among certain settlers, that does not necessarily mean they consider Israeli settlements in territories captured during the 1967 Six-Day War to be illegal. Source: BBC.
