UK to Ban Trade with Israeli Settlements; Israel Closes British Consulate

In early September 2026, the UK government announced it would ban trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank, a move welcomed by Egypt and criticized by Israel. The ban, which also includes goods from settlements, was part of a broader toughening of the UK's stance on the issue. In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Sa'ar said Israel would close the UK's consulate in Jerusalem, following similar actions by France and Canada that also banned imports from settlements.