European Union, Foreign policy, Israel, Keir Starmer, Middle East and north Africa, Palestine, Politics, United Kingdom, West Bank

UK Urged to Take Charge in Halting Israel’s West Bank Annexation | Correspondence

Apr 8, 2026

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NewsDive

in European Union, Foreign policy, Israel, Keir Starmer, Middle East and north Africa, Palestine, Politics, United Kingdom, West Bank

As the conflict between the United States and Israel regarding Iran continues to attract global attention, Israel is advancing its ongoing efforts to annex portions of the West Bank. Recently, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed strong opposition to these “annexation moves,” specifically referring to the controversial E1 settlement project, which aims to split the West Bank and significantly threaten the viability of a Palestinian state.

The ongoing war in Iran and Israel’s military presence in southern Lebanon have postponed the release of Israeli tenders for the construction of 3,400 homes on Palestinian land in the E1 area. However, these tenders are set to be announced on June 1. Reactions from the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Italy have not dissuaded the Israeli government, which has become accustomed to facing verbal condemnations that lack tangible repercussions. Consequently, Israel continues to expand its illegal settlements, further undermining the two-state solution—a stance supported by successive British administrations and European allies. As noted by Jennifer Rankin, the European Union is failing to utilize its influence to halt Israel’s actions.

The Prime Minister concurs with the International Court of Justice’s position that the occupation of Gaza, East Jerusalem, and the remainder of the West Bank since 1967 is unlawful. These territories are recognized as part of the state of Palestine, which was acknowledged by Britain last year in alliance with France, Canada, Australia, and other nations.

Given this recognition and its historical responsibilities in the region, the United Kingdom is well-positioned to take a leadership role among its European and Commonwealth partners. This could involve issuing warnings that any entities bidding for contracts related to the E1 settlement could jeopardize their business interests in the UK. Additionally, the UK could impose restrictions on trade with settlements, alongside suspending trade advantages with Israel in response to its violations of human rights as outlined in the UK-Israel trade and partnership agreement.

Keir Starmer’s commitment to strengthening European relations should encompass collaboration with those who are dedicated to promoting equal rights and mutual security for both Israelis and Palestinians. The need for a peaceful resolution to the unlawful occupation is critical, as unchecked illegality is likely to lead to increased violence.

Signed,

Vincent Fean, Former Consul-General in Jerusalem

David Hannay, Former Ambassador to the UN

Ann Grant, Former High Commissioner to South Africa

Emyr Jones Parry, Former Ambassador to the UN

David Manning, Former Ambassador to the US

David Richmond, Former Director General, FCO

Peter Westmacott, Former Ambassador to the US

Jeremy Greenstock, Former Ambassador to the UN

Frances Guy, Former Ambassador to Lebanon

Peter Millett, Former Ambassador to Jordan

Derek Plumbly, Former Ambassador to Egypt