An Israeli real estate event in north London appears to have advertised the sale of land in Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank, despite previous denials that illegal settlement properties would be marketed at the event.
Event Details and Pamphlets
Pamphlets shared with the Guardian from the event on Sunday showed real estate projects in Ma’ale Adumim, Givat Ze’ev, Kfar Eldad and Teneh Omarim in the occupied West Bank, as well as Ramat Eshkol and Givat Hamatos in East Jerusalem. The event was held after more than 100 UK lawmakers and civil society organisations called for its cancellation, citing inconsistency with international law and guidance on settlement-related economic activity.
Political Reactions
Andy McDonald MP, co-chair of the British-Palestine all-party parliamentary group, stated: “There is a prima facie case at the very least that people were advertising land in illegal settlements and that is contrary to law, and the government needs to act.” Last week, McDonald wrote to the foreign secretary, with 101 politicians signing, calling the event “embedded in Israel’s project of colonial expansion”.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan raised concerns with the Metropolitan police, who said any allegations of criminality would be assessed. The Met declined to comment.
International Context
The London event was the final stop in a series of international roadshows after Toronto and New York, which appeared to advertise land in Israeli settlements. Organisers previously denied claims, calling them “ridiculous” and “motivated by anti-Israeli and terrorist supporters”. On Tuesday, organisers apologised for the “error” in brochures, stating that no one promoted properties in “disputed territories”.
Government Response
In the Commons, Ellie Chowns asked Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper why the government failed to prevent the marketing of illegal property. Cooper said the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) had been asked to urgently look into the matter. The ASA confirmed receipt of the letter but had not received advertising complaints.
McDonald called the reference to the ASA “wholly inappropriate” and urged ministers to investigate potential prosecutions under English and Welsh law. Amnesty International UK described the move as “a ridiculous gimmick”.
Broader Implications
The event took place amid unprecedented settler violence in the West Bank. A coalition of western countries, including the UK, called for an end to settlement construction breaching international law. Last week, the UK imposed sanctions on six firms and one individual for enabling settler violence but stopped short of banning trade with illegal settlements, a step demanded by over 140 Labour MPs.
McDonald added: “We appear to be completely inconsistent in applying international humanitarian law when it comes to Israel’s egregious behaviours.”
Undercover Investigation
Dora, who attended undercover with Jewish Anti-Zionist Action, said she aimed to collect evidence of illegal land sales. After being ejected, she joined a protest where 14 people were arrested. She commented: “Condemnation from the government is just never enough.”
The Charity Commission has not opened a compliance case. A spokesperson said they are assessing concerns about an event at a synagogue affiliated with United Synagogue. A synagogue source said the event was a third-party hire and due diligence confirmed all properties marketed were legal under English law.
