UK Considered Suspending Trade Deal with Israel Amid Gaza Conflict but Withdrew Over Economic Concerns

In August last year, the UK government secretly evaluated suspending its trade partnership agreement with Israel, a move prompted by the ongoing conflict in Gaza and activities in the West Bank. This assessment, revealed through a Freedom of Information request by Global Justice Now, examined the potential economic and political impacts of halting the 2019 post-Brexit trade deal that grants Israeli products significant tariff exemptions entering the UK.

The British Department for Business and Trade conducted the impact assessment without informing Parliament or the public, fearing economic repercussions. Although the government confirmed the evaluation took place, it declined to disclose its findings or whether suspension was recommended, nor who authorized the review.

The inquiry occurred amid increasing pressure on the UK and European countries to take action against Israel due to humanitarian concerns in Gaza and calls from the International Court of Justice to avoid supporting Israeli settlements. Despite these pressures, the UK maintained the existing trade agreement. Former UK Trade Secretary Chris Bryant warned that removing trade benefits could harm British businesses. While the UK froze negotiations on a new free trade agreement with Israel last year, the current deal remains active.