UK, France, Canada announce trade bans on Israeli West Bank settlements

In early September 2026, the United Kingdom, France, and Canada announced trade bans on goods produced in Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The UK government, led by Foreign Secretary David Miliband, accused settlers of 'ethnic cleansing' and said the measures target settlement products, not Israel itself. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed France would follow suit, and reports suggest up to 12 nations, including EU members, are planning similar restrictions.

The announcements have raised concerns among West Bank date farmers, who worry about the economic impact of losing access to European markets. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not yet issued a formal response, but the move represents a new Western trade front over the settlements, which are considered illegal under international law by many countries.