Western countries must act against settlement expansion

September 9, 2026

Britain, France and Canada have taken an important step by moving to restrict imports from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. Their decision sends a clear message: the international community cannot continue to oppose settlement expansion in words while allowing business to continue as usual.

For decades, the international community has supported a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The idea is simple: Israelis and Palestinians should be able to live in peace, with secure and internationally recognised states.

However, the continued expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank is making this goal increasingly difficult to achieve.

The United Nations and much of the international community consider these settlements illegal under international law. Israel disputes this position. But regardless of the political and legal arguments, one fact is clear: continued settlement construction is changing the situation on the ground and reducing the land available for a future Palestinian state.

Britain, France and Canada have rightly concluded that statements of concern are no longer enough.

Restricting settlement-produced goods may not cause major economic damage to Israel because such exports represent a relatively small part of its economy. However, the importance of these measures is political and moral. Countries that support a two-state solution should not indirectly support economic activity linked to policies they believe are destroying that solution.

Israel’s decision to respond by closing Britain’s consulate in East Jerusalem and restricting the entry of certain British nationals will further increase diplomatic tensions. Yet disagreement and diplomatic pressure are part of international relations. Governments should not remain silent simply because criticism may produce an angry response.

Other Western countries should now consider following Britain, France and Canada.

The United States and European countries have enormous diplomatic and economic influence. They should use that influence responsibly to encourage respect for international law and a return to meaningful negotiations.

This does not mean ignoring Israel’s genuine security concerns. Israel has the right to protect its citizens from violence and terrorism. Palestinians, however, also have the right to live in dignity, security and freedom.

A lasting peace cannot be built through endless settlement expansion, violence and displacement.