The Government of the United Kingdom has moved forward with new restrictions against economic activities linked to Israeli settlements in Judea and Samaria, deepening the deterioration of diplomatic relations with Israel and provoking a strong response from senior officials in the Government of Benjamin Netanyahu.
According to the information released, London plans to ban the trade of goods and certain services coming from Israeli settlements, in addition to imposing restrictions on activities related to their financing and advertising. This measure is part of a broader reassessment of British policy towards Israel.
The Labour administration of Andy Burnham launched a boycott against Israel
The British Chancellor Ed Miliband presented the initiative as part of a “broad reset” of bilateral relations and hinted at a more active position from London in support of the creation of a "Palestinian state." The British government considers the Israeli civilian settlements built in the territories recaptured during the 1967 war to be illegal.
Among the issues highlighted by London is the E1 project, which involves the construction of more than 3,400 homes east of Jerusalem. British authorities argue that its development could further complicate a potential resolution to the dispute.
The decision provoked an immediate reaction in Israel. The Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, responded on this issue and one of the most sensitive points for the United Kingdom, demanding that Israel officially recognize Argentina's sovereignty over the Falkland Islands.
“It is time for the State of Israel to publicly acknowledge that the Falkland Islands are occupied Argentine territory,” Ben-Gvir stated. The official also questioned British oil exploitation in the archipelago and called on Netanyahu to impose sanctions on the United Kingdom while the occupation continues.
The Israeli response escalated further with the intervention of the Minister of Finance, Bezalel Smotrich, who directly demanded the expulsion of the British diplomatic representative. “Expel the British ambassador tonight!,” Smotrich wrote on his X account.
Diplomatic relations between Israel and the United Kingdom are severed
The new clash adds to months of deterioration in relations between the two countries. Tensions had particularly increased after the United Kingdom recognized the "State of Palestine" in September 2025, a decision rejected by Israel.
As London toughens its policy towards activities linked to Israeli settlements, members of Netanyahu's government responded by raising diplomatic pressure and placing Argentina's sovereignty over the Falkland Islands at the center of demands to the United Kingdom.
