UK Sanctions to Hit Palestinian Workers and Date Producers, Economy Ministry Says

New British sanctions targeting goods from "occupied territories" will primarily impact a small group of producers, particularly date farmers, and around 18,000 Palestinian workers, according to Israel's Economy Ministry. The ministry estimates that total exports from the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Golan Heights to the UK amount to approximately $45 million annually, with exports to Europe reaching about $250 million. In comparison, Israel's overall trade with the UK is valued at around 6 billion pounds ($7.6 billion) per year, with Israeli exports accounting for $1.5 to $2 billion, representing about 3% of Israel's total exports.

The majority of the affected exports are fresh agricultural products, with dates being the most significant, as many Israeli date plantations are located in the Jordan Valley. The ministry is preparing to offer individual support to affected exporters, including consultations and grants of up to 200,000 shekels ($54,000) per company to help them develop new markets, as the harvest season is set to begin in the coming weeks.

Additionally, the sanctions could lead to job losses for approximately 18,000 Palestinian workers employed in Israeli factories in Samaria. These workers are primarily involved in the production of electronic components, food products, and plastics. The ministry warns that these workers would be the first to lose their jobs if these production facilities are scaled back or closed due to the sanctions.