The case for NZ joining the UK in sanctioning Israel over illegal West Bank settlements
The government insists sanctioning Israel is too complex so close to an election. But New Zealand also has obligations under international law it shouldn’t ignore.
New Zealand has not joined the United Kingdom in sanctioning goods produced in illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The UK is among 12 countries, including France and Canada, that have either imposed or plan to impose restrictions on trade with Israel in response to illegal settlements. UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband has called these actions by settlers "ethnic cleansing" and alleged Israeli complicity.
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has stated that New Zealand has not previously used trade measures to address foreign policy issues, finding it complex and requiring a full policy process. The New Zealand government claims it is not in a position to do so ahead of the election.
However, there are arguments supporting New Zealand's participation. New Zealand has used trade measures before, notably against Russia during its invasion of Ukraine, prohibiting the import of oil, gas, and gold, and imposing a 35% tariff on all Russian goods. The Russian Sanctions Act, passed in 2022, demonstrates New Zealand's capability to swiftly adopt sanctions outside the UN regime.
The UK sanctions aim to save a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine. Since 1967, Israel has built around 160 settlements housing 700,000 people, with over 300 Palestinians killed by Israeli soldiers or settlers in the last 18 months. In August 2025, Israel announced plans to construct 3,000 settlement homes east of occupied East Jerusalem, further isolating East Jerusalem, which Palestinians regard as their capital.
Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has announced a plan to construct 1,200 settlement homes, prompting the UK sanctions. While trade between Israel and the UK remains unaffected, Israel's furious response includes closing the British consulate in Jerusalem and banning 12 British MPs from entering the country.
Supporters argue that joining the UK and other nations in sanctioning illegal settlements would reinforce the global response to Israel's illegal activities, demonstrate regional leadership, and assert New Zealand's commitment to the international rules-based order.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
