Former UK and French Diplomats Urge Sanctions Against Israel
More than one hundred former diplomats from the United Kingdom and France have signed a joint letter demanding strict measures against Israel. The signatories called for trade suspensions, arms embargoes, and a ban on settlement property purchases.
On Saturday, 22 August 2026, a significant group of former diplomatic officials from both the United Kingdom and France released a joint letter demanding decisive action against Israel. The coalition, comprising more than one hundred former diplomats, formally submitted their urgent appeal to French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
The signatories on the letter include 50 former British ambassadors alongside 52 former French diplomats. Together, these seasoned international representatives have called for a series of strict measures, arguing that current diplomatic efforts are insufficient in the face of ongoing regional developments and humanitarian concerns.
Among the primary demands outlined in the joint communication is the suspension of arms transfers to Israel. Additionally, the former diplomats are urging both the British and French governments to immediately suspend existing trade and partnership agreements with the Israeli government.
The sweeping proposals also target economic interactions at the individual level. Specifically, the letter calls for a complete ban preventing British and French citizens from purchasing property within Israeli settlements, aiming to deter financial support for settlement expansion.
This unprecedented joint initiative by former diplomatic personnel highlights growing international scrutiny from European capitals regarding the policies and actions of the Israeli government. The appeals directed at President Macron and Prime Minister Burnham place renewed pressure on London and Paris to re-evaluate their bilateral engagements and enforcement measures.
