UK Settlement Sanctions Split British Jews as Antisemitic Incidents Rise 20%
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Sep 9
UK Settlement Sanctions Split British Jews as Antisemitic Incidents Rise 20%
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Sep 9
Summary
British Jews sharply split over the UK’s new sanctions on Israeli settlements, with British-Israeli Rabbi Leo Dee calling them “economic punishment” and Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg backing action against settler intimidation of Palestinians.
The sanctions followed Israel’s move to open tenders for about 1,200 settlement homes, which Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said required action to defend a two-state solution and ensure the UK “acts” against injustice.
Critics including Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis say the move endangers British Jews, while some in Golders Green argued its practical effect on settlements would be minimal but its domestic fallout could be serious.
Police are increasing protection around Jewish areas before Rosh Hashana after multiple attacks this year, including arson against charity ambulances and the stabbing of two visibly Jewish men in Golders Green.
Community Security Trust data showed 1,926 antisemitic incidents across the UK in the first half of 2026, up a fifth from a year earlier, underscoring fears the Israel debate could fuel more attacks.