UK and five allies urge firms to boycott Israeli settlements in West Bank

The United Kingdom and five allied nations have issued a strong diplomatic warning to businesses, urging them to cease all economic and financial activities within Israeli settlements in the West Bank. British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper announced the toughened guidelines on June 9, emphasizing a clear message to companies: "If you are a British citizen or a British business, you must not engage in economic or financial activity in illegal Israeli settlements."

Cooper stated, "We believe that violent settler groups should not profit from land they have taken from Palestinians." This targeted diplomatic action aims to isolate activities supporting colonization and violence, without severing broader trade ties with Israel or imposing a general embargo. The move is a response to persistent settler violence against Palestinians and the ongoing expansion of settlements.

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I have strengthened our guidance on business risks so that it is clear and unambiguous: if you are a British citizen or a British business, you must not engage in economic or financial activity in illegal Israeli settlements.

The joint statement, co-signed by Australia, Canada, France, Norway, and New Zealand, outlines coordinated sanctions. Each government is implementing distinct national measures. France has imposed restrictions, including an entry ban for Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, targeting officials and settler leaders implicated in settlement expansion and West Bank violence. French Minister Jean-Noël Barrot noted that Smotrich "actively promotes" annexation policies.

The UK has sanctioned six entities and individuals accused of funding settlements or violent acts. Other signatory nations are enacting similar measures, primarily visa restrictions, targeted asset freezes, and entry bans. The international condemnation of Israeli settlements is rooted in multilateral opinions and UN Security Council resolutions, which largely consider them contrary to international humanitarian law.

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We believe that violent settler groups should not profit from land they have taken from Palestinians.