Paul Adams: British-Israeli relations at lowest ebb in decades
The UK, alongside France, Spain, Canada and eight other countries, has banned trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, prompting a furious response from Israel and pushing relations between the two countries to their lowest point in decades. Israel closed the UK's consulate in East Jerusalem and removed British representatives from the International Gaza Support Centre, signalling how deeply the move has rattled Israeli officials, even though goods from settlements form only a small share of Israel's exports.
The measures, announced by Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, ban not only settlement products but also companies providing construction, infrastructure or finance to settlements, plus restrictions on arms sales linked to the occupation. They follow Britain's acceptance of the 2024 International Court of Justice ruling that the occupation is unlawful. Describing himself as a "proud British Jew" who remains supportive of Israel, Miliband spoke unusually bluntly, accusing settlers of "rampant" terrorism and "ethnic cleansing" of Palestinians in parts of the West Bank while accusing the Israeli government of turning a blind eye. Six people, including three schoolchildren, have been killed this year in settler-related violence in the village of al-Mughayyir, amid a wider surge in such attacks.
In short
- UK and 11 other nations ban trade with West Bank settlements.
- Israel shut UK's East Jerusalem consulate in retaliation.
- Miliband accused settlers of "ethnic cleansing"; ties hit new low.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters argue that restricting trade and services linked to settlements is a proportionate way to oppose an occupation Britain regards as unlawful and to avoid helping sustain it. They say the measures respond to serious violence against Palestinians and signal that settlement expansion and attacks should carry diplomatic and economic consequences.
The case against
Critics argue that broad restrictions on companies and services, alongside arms-related measures, risk punishing links to settlements without changing conditions on the ground. They may also see the policy as unfairly isolating Israel, damaging diplomatic ties and making cooperation harder, while contending that allegations of abuses should be addressed through targeted action and engagement.
Explained simply
The West Bank is a territory captured by Israel in 1967 and home to millions of Palestinians. Israel has built settlements there, which most countries regard as illegal under international law; Israel disputes that view. Settler violence against Palestinians has also been a long-running source of tension.
The UK and Israel have had close ties, including in trade and security, while disagreeing over the occupation and Palestinian rights. The UK government says its policy is intended to pressure Israel over settlements and violence; Israel sees such measures as hostile. Their dispute matters because it affects diplomatic cooperation and wider efforts to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.