Britain's dramatic decision against Israel: "Dispute with the government"

The British government has officially declared that continued Israeli control over Judea and Samaria is illegal, and has begun advancing unprecedented economic and security sanctions against Israel, including a ban on importing settlement products and freezing defense export licenses. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband clarified that the dispute is with the Israeli government, not with the people.

The British government has unprecedentedly escalated its policy toward Israel, officially declaring that continued Israeli control over Judea and Samaria is illegal. During September 2026, London led a series of sharp diplomatic and economic measures, including a complete ban on importing settlement products, freezing defense export licenses, and imposing sanctions on five additional Israelis, bringing the total number to 38. British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband delivered a landmark speech in Parliament, clarifying that Britain is moving from declarations to sanctions on the ground, while emphasizing that the dispute is with the Israeli government and not with the people. The measures are coordinated with France and Canada, but Miliband ruled out support for the BDS movement and stated that Britain is committed to Israel's security against regional threats.