West Bank trade has moved to the center of political debate after a group of Israeli public figures urged the United Kingdom to ban all commerce with settlements in the occupied territory. The appeal comes as British lawmakers and European ministers consider stronger measures against settlement activity. Supporters argue that restricting West Bank trade would reinforce international law and encourage progress toward a lasting peace.
Nineteen Israeli public figures have called on the United Kingdom and the European Union to prohibit all trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. The group said settlement expansion continues at an alarming pace. Members argued that governments must now match long-standing political statements with concrete action.
The appeal appeared in an open letter ahead of meetings between European foreign ministers. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is expected to discuss the issue with European counterparts. The signatories said ending the settlement system remains essential for achieving peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
Among those signing the letter were former ambassador to France Professor Élie Barnavi, former ambassador to South Africa Ilan Baruch, and former Attorney General Michael Ben-Yair. The group also included former senior diplomats, legal officials, and former members of Israel’s parliament.
The letter welcomed existing sanctions against some Israeli settlers and organizations. However, the signatories argued those measures remain insufficient. Instead, they urged governments to introduce a complete ban on settlement trade. They said European countries have long described the settlements as illegal. Yet they argued governments have failed to turn those positions into effective policy. According to the group, continued economic ties help sustain settlement expansion. They said stronger action has therefore become necessary.
The issue has also gained attention in the UK Parliament. Labour MP Abtisam Mohamed recently led a backbench debate on settlement trade. She argued that recognizing the State of Palestine should be followed by meaningful action. She also said settlements continue expanding despite international legal rulings.
The International Court of Justice has ruled that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories violates international law. Israel captured the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza during the 1967 Six-Day War. Since then, more than 500,000 Israeli settlers have moved into communities across the West Bank. Around three million Palestinians continue living under Israeli military occupation. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Authority exercises limited self-rule in parts of the territory.
Violence has increased across the West Bank since the October 2023 Hamas attacks and the subsequent war in Gaza. Human rights organizations have reported rising settler attacks and increasing displacement of Palestinian communities. Many groups have also documented continued settlement expansion.
The Israeli government rejects allegations of illegal land seizures. Officials argue Israel has historical and security claims over the territory. They also deny accusations of systematic abuses.
The British government continues to state that Israeli settlements violate international law. It also says the settlements remain a major obstacle to achieving a negotiated two-state solution. Although the UK has sanctioned selected settlers and organizations, it has not introduced a full trade ban.
Trade Minister Chris Bryant acknowledged concerns about British businesses supporting settlement activity. However, he said verifying the exact origin of some products remains difficult. He added that ministers want to prevent economic support for illegal settlements while preserving legitimate trade with both Israel and Palestine.
Earlier this month, about 140 Labour MPs also urged the government to introduce a complete ban on settlement trade. As pressure grows on ministers, West Bank trade is expected to remain a major political issue in the weeks ahead.
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