UK expands sanction powers, enabling action against companies supporting West Bank settlements

Britain brought new regulations into force on Thursday, expanding its sanctions powers to potentially target construction companies, developers, and financial institutions supporting West Bank settlement expansion. The measures took effect four days before the deadline for submitting bids for construction in the E1 area between Jerusalem and Ma'aleh Adumim, amid a diplomatic dispute over the closure of the British consulate in east Jerusalem. The new framework allows asset freezes, travel bans, and other measures against entities involved in serious violations of international law.

Britain brought new regulations into force on Thursday, significantly expanding its sanctions powers in a move that could enable action against construction companies, developers, and financial institutions supporting settlement expansion in the West Bank. The measures took effect four days before the deadline for submitting bids for construction in the E1 area between Jerusalem and Ma'aleh Adumim, amid a diplomatic dispute between Israel and Britain over the closure of the British consulate in east Jerusalem. The new regulations expand Britain's sanctions framework concerning human rights and international humanitarian law. They allow sanctions against individuals and entities directly involved in activities classified as serious violations of international law, as well as those financing, facilitating, or promoting such activities. Possible measures include asset freezes, financial restrictions, travel bans, and disqualification from serving as company directors. The deadline for submitting bids for 1,234 housing units, part of a broader plan involving approximately 3,400 units, is scheduled for October 19. Israeli watchdog Peace Now responded sharply, warning that the consequences could extend beyond companies directly involved in settlement construction. The regulations also introduce a mechanism allowing London to temporarily adopt sanctions already imposed by partner countries for up to 112 days.