UK's Former Ambassadors Demand Israel Settlement Trade Ban as Ministers Condemn

A group of 32 leading former UK ambassadors sent an open letter urging the UK government to threaten action against companies bidding to build the E1 settlement.

“The United Kingdom condemns Israel's approval of 19 new illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank - "This risks undermining the 20-point plan and the prospects for lasting peace and security that only a two-state solution can guarantee," warns a minister Burak Bir December 22, 2025 • Updated: December 22, 2025 Greater London AA / London / Burak Bir The United Kingdom condemned on Sunday the approval by the Israeli government of 19 new illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank”

Anadolu Ajansı

The letter warns the E1 project is designed to divide the West Bank in two and destroy Palestine's viability.

Anadolu Ajansı

The former diplomats called for a UK trade ban on settlement products and suspending trade concessions with Israel.

Criticism from Britain, Germany, France, and Italy does not deter this Israeli government, grown used to rhetorical condemnation.

Foreign Minister Hamish Falconer tweeted a condemnation of Israel's approval of 19 new settlements.

The Israeli cabinet approved 19 new settlements, bringing the total to 69 in recent years.

The Guardian

Falconer warned this risks undermining the 20-point plan and prospects for long-term peace.

Israeli forces and illegal settlers have killed at least 1,102 Palestinians since October 2023.

The International Court of Justice declared Israel's occupation illegal in a July advisory opinion.