Miliband rejects chief rabbi’s claim British Jews in greater danger after sanctions move
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Sanctions and Antisemitism: A Complex Landscape
The UK’s announcement of sanctions on Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank has sparked a debate within the Jewish community. While some welcome the move as a long-awaited step towards resolving the conflict, others express concern about its potential implications for security and the risk of fostering antisemitism.
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Figure caption: Watch: ‘I thought it was important to call out what’s happening’, says Miliband
By Hafsa Khalil
Published 36 minutes ago
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has rejected the chief rabbi’s claim that British Jews are at greater risk after the UK announced sanctions on Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
Miliband, a "proud British Jew," disagreed with UK Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis, who described the move as a "truly dark day" that would "succeed only in bolstering the very extremism they seek to target."
"We all need to do more to tackle antisemitism," Miliband said, "But I believe we can do that and stand up for British values."
The sanctions come amid rising antisemitic incidents across the UK. According to the Community Security Trust (CST), an organization providing security support to the Jewish community, 1,926 incidents of anti-Jewish hate were recorded in the first six months of 2026, a 21% increase from the same period in 2025.
There has been a mixed response within the UK Jewish community:
- The Jewish Leadership Council (JLC) warned that the sanctions move "risks becoming a de facto boycott of Israel" and accused Miliband of "yielding to pressure from the most extreme elements of British society."
- The Board of Deputies of British Jews expressed a "deep sense of anguish" at the situation.
- Na’amod, a movement advocating for an end to Israel’s occupation and equality for Palestinians and Israelis, welcomed the decision, stating they had been waiting years for the UK government to act.
- Yachad, a Jewish organization supporting a resolution to the conflict, stated that many British Jews support robust action against the occupation.
However, Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis characterized the government’s announcement as "little more than political flag bearing for mendacious anti-Israel rhetoric."
In response to these comments, Miliband said, "I don’t agree with the chief rabbi, someone whom I have great respect." He further emphasized that blaming Jews worldwide for Israel’s actions is a form of antisemitism.
