UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has rejected a warning from UK Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis that sanctions targeting Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria could increase the danger facing British Jews.
Mirvis sharply criticized the British government's decision, describing the announcement as a "truly dark day" and warning that the measures would strengthen the extremism they are intended to combat.
Responding to the criticism, Miliband said that as a "proud British Jew," he disagreed with the Chief Rabbi.
"We all need to do more to tackle antisemitism," Miliband said, while arguing that Britain could combat antisemitism while also standing up for British values.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today program, Miliband said he had great respect for Mirvis but did not share his assessment. He added that holding Jews in Britain or elsewhere responsible for decisions taken by the Israeli government constitutes antisemitism.
The Chief Rabbi accused the government of engaging in political gestures that amplify anti-Israel rhetoric and warned that punitive policies against Israel could encourage those who direct hatred against Jews.
The dispute follows the British government's announcement of sanctions targeting trade connected to Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham defended the measures in Parliament, saying Britain must stand for "fairness against injustice" and support those being forced from their homes.
The Palestinian presidency welcomed the sanctions, describing them as a step toward confronting what it termed Israel's "colonial system" and violations against Palestinians.
The announcement has prompted differing responses among British Jewish organizations.
The Jewish Leadership Council warned that the measures could develop into a de facto boycott of Israel and accused Miliband of giving in to pressure from extremist elements in British society.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews expressed particular concern over the timing of the announcement ahead of Rosh Hashanah, saying concerns about communal security were being felt especially strongly by British Jews. It also warned that worsening relations between Britain and Israel could further increase tensions within the UK.
At the same time, the Board noted that it had previously raised concerns with the Israeli government regarding settler violence.
The Community Security Trust recorded 1,926 antisemitic incidents in Britain during the first half of 2026, an increase of 21% compared with the corresponding period in 2025.
Greater Manchester Police said additional resources would be deployed during the Jewish High Holy Days to increase security and visibility around Jewish communities.
Other Jewish groups supported the government's move. Na'amod said there was no single Jewish position on Israel and rejected claims that the measures would contribute to antisemitism.
The Movement for Progressive Judaism similarly said that while concerns over the vulnerability of British Jews should be taken seriously, measures directed against Israeli communities should not automatically be regarded as attacks against Jews.
The sanctions have also triggered a diplomatic dispute with Israel, which closed the British consulate in eastern Jerusalem and barred 11 MPs and a campaigner from entering the country.
Israeli Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli subsequently recommended that additional British-linked organizations and individuals be denied entry to Israel.
Miliband told Parliament that the government's new policy was prompted by plans for development in the E1 area. He also accused what he termed "settler terrorists" of forcing Palestinians from their land and said the Israeli government had too often failed to intervene.
The planned British measures will target companies and individuals providing services, including construction and financing, connected with Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria. Advertising such properties in the UK will also be prohibited. According to Miliband, implementation could take as long as nine months.
Canada and France have also announced bans on goods from Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria as part of coordinated measures.