United Kingdom to ban products from Judea and Samaria

British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced in Parliament that the United Kingdom will ban products from Judea and Samaria, effective within six months. Miliband stated that the government believes the “unlawfulness of the occupation should be reflected in the economic relationship” with those territories.

This move follows a joint statement from Miliband and foreign ministers from 11 other nations—including Canada, France, and Norway—expressing intent to restrict trade in goods from Jewish communities in the region to protect the two-state solution. While Spain and Ireland have already implemented total trade bans on such goods, the UK's decision marks a significant shift in policy.

Israeli officials responded sharply to the announcement. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for the immediate expulsion of the British ambassador, labeling the government “antisemitic.” National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also criticized the move. In a separate capacity, Miliband addressed the House of Commons regarding broader regional security, affirming Israel’s right to exist and announcing sanctions against Hezbollah’s financing arm, Al-Qard Al-Hassan, alongside measures against Iran.