Trump Administration Did Not Oppose UK Sanctions on Israeli Settlements

<p>The Trump administration did not oppose a UK-led initiative to impose new sanctions on Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, according to U.S. officials and Western diplomats.</p><p>The White House's decision not to push back on the UK effort, which has been joined by 11 other Western countries, indicates frustration with the Netanyahu government's policy in the West Bank.</p><hr /><p>The UK announced on September 8, 2026, it would impose sanctions against individuals and entities involved in building settlements in the West Bank.</p><ul><li>The UK also announced a ban on imported goods from the Israeli settlements.</li><li>This move followed the Netanyahu government's decision to advance a new settlement in the E1 area, which would disrupt territorial contiguity for a future Palestinian state.</li><li>Both Republican and Democratic administrations have historically opposed building in E1.</li><li>Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden have joined the UK in expressing their intention to introduce or support European restrictions on trade in goods with the Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.</li><li>In response, the Netanyahu government announced the closure of the UK consulate in East Jerusalem, expelled British diplomats and military officers associated with a U.S.-led Gaza task force, and terminated a British military training mission in the West Bank.</li></ul><p>British Prime Minister Andy Burnham briefed President Trump prior to the sanctions announcement.</p><ul><li>Two sources familiar with the call reported that Trump did not push back or request Burnham to alter the course of action.</li><li>U.S. officials conveyed to their British counterparts that they shared concerns regarding the Netanyahu government's West Bank policy, despite disagreements over the specific sanctions.</li></ul><p>Secretary of State Marco Rubio did not condemn the UK's decision when questioned by reporters on September 8, 2026.</p><ul><li>Rubio stated, "The President hasn't commented on this and neither have I. We were made aware that they are gonna make this decision. We heard their arguments as to why. We share the goal of stability. We don't want to see an uptick in violence or tensions in the West Bank in a tenuous time in the region."</li></ul><p>On the same day, the White House distanced itself from comments made by U.S. ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who criticized the new sanctions in an interview with the BBC.</p><ul><li>A White House official stated that Huckabee's remarks "were not coordinated with the White House" or the State Department.</li><li>Huckabee characterized the UK's decision as "discrimination against the Jewish people," adding, "This is an irrational action ... if the UK is really interested in dealing with issues they feel like are wrong, where are the sanctions against North Korea, China, Russia?"</li><li>The UK has imposed various sanctions against Russia, North Korea, and China over the years.</li></ul>