UK's new Israel sanctions seen as symbolic gesture to appease the US

Since taking office, Andy Burnham has pledged a shift in Britain’s approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict, apologising for Labour’s past stance and announcing bans on investment and imports linked to illegal West Bank settlements. Yet the author points out that RAF bases have recently facilitated multiple US and British military flights to Israel, suggesting continuity rather than rupture in cooperation. Under the previous government, the RAF also conducted surveillance over Gaza and passed intelligence to Israel.

While the new trade restrictions are welcomed, enforcement remains uncertain, with claims that settlement goods have already entered the UK tariff-free market. The piece contends that meaningful pressure would require cutting off military logistics, intelligence, and imposing a comprehensive arms embargo, steps the UK is unlikely to take for fear of antagonising the United States. The overall assessment is that the sanctions are largely a symbolic gesture aimed at placating domestic criticism without jeopardising the strategic partnership with Washington.