Impact of New European and UK Sanctions on Illegal Israeli Settlements in the West Bank

Goods from illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, worth billions of dollars, are now facing official sanctions. Led by the UK, several European countries and Canada have announced a comprehensive ban on trade with these settlements, citing that Israel’s actions in the Palestinian territory undermine the possibility of a two-state solution while condemning the sharp increase in settler violence.

While targeting illegal settlements is not entirely new, Israel has responded swiftly this time by announcing the closure of the British consulate in occupied East Jerusalem and threatening further measures.

The central question remains whether this import ban will make a tangible difference on the ground. The discussion is hosted by presenter Dareen Abughaida, featuring guests Alan Duncan, former UK foreign minister; Francesca Albanese, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian Territory; and Mitchell Barak, founder of KEEVOON Research Strategy and Communications and former aide to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.