Trump does not oppose UK, France and Canada's ban on Israeli settlement trade

On 8 September, the United Kingdom, France and Canada announced a ban on trade in goods from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and Jewish neighbourhoods of East Jerusalem, which they regard as illegal under international law. British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband told Parliament that the UK would introduce a comprehensive trade ban and targeted sanctions within nine months, and said France and Canada would take similar action. Nine other Western countries announced they would introduce or support comparable restrictions.

Israel's government responded with anger. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar claimed the measures encouraged antisemitism against British Jews and accused London of timing the announcement before the Jewish New Year to influence Israel's 27 October election. Miliband rejected this claim, stating that the decision reflected deep concern about events in the Palestinian territories and had nothing to do with British Jewish safety.

On 9 September, attention shifted to the United States' response. President Donald Trump said he would speak to the sanctioning countries to understand their thinking, but avoided condemning the move. Trump remained largely silent publicly, even though Israel and the United States had earlier threatened retaliation against Britain. According to reports, Trump had been informed about the sanctions before they were announced and did not ask London to delay. Middle Eastern states including Oman and Qatar welcomed the decision.