The UK is expanding its sanctions powers to freeze assets and target entities enabling illegal Israeli settlements, obstructing humanitarian aid, or unlawfully holding prisoners. This expansion introduces three new grounds to the 2020 sanctions regime: serious violations of international humanitarian law, obstruction of humanitarian assistance, and serious violations of the right to liberty and security of person.
Unlawful settlement activity, including breaches of the Geneva Convention on occupation, will be covered under international humanitarian law. The new powers also extend beyond direct perpetrators to those who facilitate, incite, promote, support, finance, or benefit from such conduct. Banks and commercial entities could also be included if there are reasonable grounds to suspect involvement.
Proposed sanctions measures include asset freezes, prohibitions on making funds or economic resources available, travel bans, and director disqualifications. An urgent procedure will allow ministers to mirror designations made by the EU, US, Canada, or Australia for up to 112 days while a specific UK case is prepared.
The new global sanctions regime is scheduled to come into force on Thursday, October 15, 2026, but will require endorsement from MPs and peers within 28 days. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband is reportedly expediting these measures due to the Israeli government's stated intention to proceed with an E1 settlement in the West Bank.
The Israeli government closed the UK consulate last week in protest, leading to the withdrawal of 21 diplomats and the downgrading of the consulate to a mission. The British Palestinian Project welcomed the inclusion of the right to liberty and security of person, noting it could lead to sanctions for serious arbitrary or unlawful detention, including of Palestinian children.