Nigel Farage Pledges to Restore UK-Israel Ties, Criticizes Sanctions

Nigel Farage, leader of the UK's Reform UK party, held a phone call with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar on September 9, 2026, pledging to repair bilateral relations. The conversation, reported by The Jerusalem Post, occurred after the UK imposed sanctions on Israeli settlements in Judea and Samaria. Farage described the call as "very productive" and reiterated his "strong support for Israel." He stated that a Reform government would reverse "damage" caused by the Labour party and restore relations based on "shared interests and mutual respect," advocating for strengthened cooperation in trade, security, technology, and innovation.

Sa'ar thanked Farage and his party for their support, contrasting it with the current British government's actions. The UK's ban on imports from Israeli settlements had previously led to Israel closing the British consulate in Jerusalem.

The discussion also touched upon the Falkland Islands. Farage highlighted the importance of security for the islands' residents to the UK, while acknowledging Israel's close relationship with Argentine President Javier Milei. Israel's official stance on the Falklands issue remained unchanged following the conversation. Farage later tweeted about the call, emphasizing the Falklands issue and the promise to undo damage caused by Labour.