Key facts
- An Israeli real estate event in London advertised properties in occupied West Bank settlements and East Jerusalem.
- British MP Ellie Chowns questioned the government's failure to prevent the marketing of these illegal properties.
- Organizers apologized for an 'error' in brochures, stating no properties in disputed territories were promoted.
- The UK government referred evidence of advertising illegal settlements to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).
- Protesters gathered outside the event, leading to 14 arrests.
An Israeli real estate event held in north London has drawn criticism and parliamentary scrutiny for allegedly advertising the sale of land in illegal Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank. Pamphlets shared from the event on Sunday displayed real estate projects in Ma’ale Adumim, Givat Ze’ev, Kfar Eldad, Teneh Omarim, Ramat Eshkol, and Givat Hamatos.
The event proceeded despite calls for its cancellation from over 100 UK lawmakers and civil society organizations, who argued it violated international law and government guidance on settlement-related economic activity. MP Andy McDonald stated there was a "prima facie case" that illegal settlement lands were advertised, contrary to law, and urged government action.
Concerns were also raised by London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who was informed by the Metropolitan police that any allegations of criminality would be investigated. Organizers had previously denied claims of promoting West Bank land sales, labeling them 'ridiculous' and 'motivated by anti-Israeli and terrorist supporters'.
Following the event, organizers apologized for an 'error' in event brochures, stating that no properties in 'disputed territories' were promoted. The Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer has asked the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) to scrutinize evidence of advertising property in illegal settlements. However, critics like McDonald and Amnesty International UK have deemed the referral to the ASA insufficient and inappropriate.
The event took place amidst rising settler violence in the West Bank and international pressure on Israel to cease settlement construction. Protesters gathered outside the venue, resulting in 14 arrests. A synagogue affiliated with United Synagogue is assessing concerns raised about the event, which was a third-party hire.