Israel-UK conflict escalates

The diplomatic conflict between Israel and the UK has entered a new stage. Israel's government has decided to close Britain's consulate in East Jerusalem. The decision came in response to London's measures restricting trade in goods from Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced a series of measures against Britain on September 8. According to him, Britain must halt the operations of its consulate in East Jerusalem, withdraw its representatives from the ceasefire coordination center in Gaza, and suspend its program for training Palestinian Authority security forces.

In addition, 12 British politicians and other citizens have been barred from entering Israel. Among them is former UK Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn.

What does London's new measure consist of?

On September 8, the UK announced a ban on importing goods from Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Restrictions are also planned for financing, construction, infrastructure, real estate and advertising services linked to these settlements.

UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband further sharpened the government's position in a parliamentary speech. According to him, violence in parts of the West Bank aimed at displacing Palestinians amounts to "ethnic cleansing."

Miliband stated that some Israeli government officials have made statements supporting the forced displacement of Palestinians, or have failed to sufficiently oppose such actions. At the same time, he said Britain's criticism is directed at government policy, not the Israeli people.

London also formally declared that it considers Israel's occupation of the West Bank illegal. The British government ties this position to a legal opinion issued by the International Court of Justice in 2024.

12 countries backed measures against Israeli settlements

Britain's decision was not made alone. On September 8, the UK, France, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Sweden expressed their intention to introduce national or EU-level measures restricting trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

In a joint statement, the countries said settlement expansion and settler violence pose a serious threat to a two-state solution. They specifically noted Israel's push for a new settlement project in the E1 area near Jerusalem.

The economic impact of the UK's ban is not expected to be significant. This is because the export volume from West Bank settlements is relatively small and consists mainly of agricultural products. However, politically, the move shows a notable shift in London's position toward Israel.

Why now?

Relations between the UK and Israel have grown increasingly tense over several issues in recent times. London has expressed concern over the expansion of West Bank settlements and settler violence against Palestinians.

In June, the UK Foreign Office noted an increase in settler violence in the West Bank and announced new sanctions against organizations financing illegal settlements and supporting violence.