The UK government has warned British citizens residing in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank that they could face sanctions under a new regime targeting settlement activity. This warning comes as Britain adopts a firmer stance on Israeli settlements, which it deems contrary to international law. The UK previously estimated 20 to 30 British citizens lived in West Bank settlements.
The UK's new sanctions regime against Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and the reciprocal measures from Israel signal a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions, potentially impacting trade, investment, and the broader geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.
The UK government has warned British citizens residing in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank that they could face sanctions under a new regime targeting settlement activity. The warning, reported by The New Arab, also reminded individuals to be aware of existing official advice against economic and financial activities in settlements.
This move signifies a tougher stance by Britain on Israeli settlement activity, which it considers contrary to international law. The UK's Foreign Office had previously estimated that between 20 and 30 British citizens were living in West Bank settlements, though exact figures are unknown as citizens are not required to notify authorities of their presence.
On Tuesday, September 9, 2026, Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced sanctions on illegal Israeli settlements, accusing Israel's government of turning a blind eye to the "ethnic cleansing" of Palestinians by settlers. He stated this marked the "beginning of a new approach" to the conflict. Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar responded by calling the accusations an "outrageous lie" and announced counter-measures, including the closure of the UK's consulate in East Jerusalem. The sanctions, launched alongside France and Canada, will ban settlement goods and target companies and individuals providing services for settlement expansion. Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated the measures were aimed at supporting the two-state solution. The announcement followed Israel opening tenders for approximately 1,200 settlement homes in the E1 area east of Jerusalem, a move that has drawn international condemnation.