British MP Clive Lewis Calls for Sanctions Against Israel’s Government and State Institutions Over Violence and Land Seizures Against Palestinians
London, United Kingdom | October 31, 2026 | The Global Journal
British Member of Parliament Clive Lewis has called for sanctions not only against illegal Israeli settlers but also against Israel’s government and state institutions over violence, land seizures and the displacement of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. According to Lewis, the ongoing oppression of Palestinians is not simply the result of isolated actions by individual settlers but is also linked to Israeli government policies and the role of state institutions.
Lewis, a Labour Party MP representing Norwich South, made these remarks in an opinion article published by Qatar-based media outlet Al Jazeera on October 30. In the article, he described his attempt to enter the occupied West Bank, his alleged detention and questioning by Israeli forces for approximately eight hours, and the broader difficulties faced by Palestinians. He urged the UK government to introduce wider-ranging sanctions against Israel.
Alleged Denial of Entry to the West Bank and Eight Hours of Questioning
According to Lewis, he attempted to enter the occupied West Bank earlier this week as part of a delegation that included two other British MPs and international observers. However, Israeli forces allegedly questioned and detained the group for approximately eight hours before refusing them entry and sending them back.
Lewis said their experience could not be compared with the daily hardships faced by Palestinians, who have long endured violence, land seizures and displacement in the occupied territory.
He alleged that alongside the devastating military campaign and loss of life in Gaza, Palestinians in the West Bank are also facing efforts to shrink their communities and undermine their continued presence. He described the situation as a prolonged process of ethnic displacement. These characterisations reflect Lewis’s own assessment and allegations in the article.
Allegations Over an Israeli Minister’s Remarks and Attacks on Journalists
Lewis also referred to recent remarks by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. According to his article, Smotrich called last month for a military operation in the occupied West Bank similar to the campaign conducted in Gaza.
Lewis further accused Israeli authorities of taking steps to prevent international observers from witnessing conditions in the West Bank. He claimed that two delegations of British MPs had been denied entry to the territory over the past 18 months.
He also raised concerns about the safety of journalists. Citing figures in his article, Lewis said more than 200 Palestinian journalists had been killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza over the past three years. He additionally alleged that Israeli forces fired tear gas at journalists last week as they attempted to document the destruction of homes in Hebron.
Calls for Swift Sanctions Against Individuals and Businesses Linked to Settlements
Lewis welcomed the UK’s announcement of new sanctions targeting individuals and organisations linked to illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. However, he argued that the measures should be implemented promptly rather than delayed for six months after their announcement.
He said targeting only individual settlers or a limited number of organisations would not be enough to change the situation. To weaken the economic foundations of settlement expansion, he called for sanctions against companies maintaining business ties with settlements, financial institutions providing funding, insurance providers and suppliers of surveillance technology.
According to Lewis, cutting off financial and technological support to entities involved in the construction and maintenance of illegal settlements should become a central part of the UK's sanctions policy.
Calls for Tougher Restrictions on Arms Sales to Israel
The British lawmaker also called for existing loopholes in restrictions on arms and military equipment supplied to Israel to be closed.
In particular, he urged the UK to halt the supply of F-35 fighter jet components and suspend licences for aircraft used to train Israeli military personnel. He argued that Britain should adopt a tougher position on supplying military capabilities that could be used to maintain occupation in the West Bank or conduct military operations in Gaza.
Lewis said arms export restrictions should cover not only direct weapons sales but also components, training and related military assistance.
Humanitarian Aid and Reconstruction in Gaza
Lewis also called for sanctions against individuals and Israeli ministers allegedly involved in obstructing the entry of humanitarian assistance into Gaza.
He argued that allowing emergency aid into Gaza would not be sufficient on its own. The blockade must be lifted, and conditions must be created for the reconstruction of the war-ravaged territory. He said those responsible for policies obstructing humanitarian assistance, including relevant state-level officials, should be held accountable.
Reference to International Court of Justice Rulings
In the final section of his article, Lewis referred to the directives of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). He argued that it is the responsibility of the UK and the wider international community to end trade, investment and other activities that help maintain Israel’s unlawful presence in the occupied Palestinian territories.
He maintained that sanctions should therefore extend beyond individual settlers to include the settlement economy, associated businesses and relevant institutions within the Israeli state structure.
Calls for a Shift in UK Policy
Lewis’s appeal has brought renewed attention to the scope of the UK’s Israel policy and its sanctions framework. If implemented, his proposals could affect economic activities linked to illegal settlements, military equipment supplies and individuals or organisations accused of obstructing humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
However, any decision on further sanctions remains a matter for the British government. The allegations and proposals in Lewis’s article should be understood as his political position. Reliable evidence and official records remain important in assessing developments in the West Bank and Gaza, the interpretation of international law and the allegations raised.
Source: Al Jazeera, October 30, 2026; opinion article by British MP Clive Lewis.
