Ex-UK Diplomats Urge Action on Israeli Settlement Expansion in West Bank

(MENAFN) A group of former British diplomats has called on the United Kingdom and its allies to take firmer steps against Israeli settlement activity in the occupied West Bank, warning that current international responses may be enabling gradual annexation and weakening adherence to international law, according to reports.

In a letter published in a media outlet on Friday, more than 80 former diplomats—including 60 former ambassadors, high commissioners, and senior officials—argued that Israeli policies in the occupied Palestinian territories amount to what they described as “accelerating annexation.”

“America is indeed falling out of love with Israel. So is Europe. While the world watches Iran and Lebanon, Israel extends control over the West Bank and Gaza. Its accelerating annexation is unmistakable,” the letter stated.

The signatories claimed that Israel is violating obligations under both the EU-Israel Association Agreement and the UK-Israel Trade and Partnership Agreement, which require respect for human rights and democratic standards, according to reports.

“Israel is in breach of both agreements,” the letter said, pointing to settlement expansion, discrimination against Palestinians, and what it described as “systematic state-supported settler violence.”

The group urged the European Union to suspend its association agreement with Israel, impose a ban on trade with settlements, halt arms transfers, and limit Israel’s participation in EU programs. They also called on the UK to prohibit all trade with settlements and reassess its bilateral agreements with Israel, according to reports.

MENAFN26042026000045017640ID1111032365