Exclusive: Illegal settlements promoted in London at Great Israeli Real Estate Event

What Happened

On Sunday, the Great Israeli Real Estate Event held at the Edgware United Synagogue in London featured companies promoting properties in illegal Israeli settlements, according to a Middle East Eye investigation. Brochures from Jerusalem Real Estate (JRE) advertised projects in French Hill and Ramat Eshkol, illegal settlements in occupied East Jerusalem. Harey Zahav promoted Kfar Eldad, an illegal West Bank settlement south of Bethlehem, and Teneh Omarim near Hebron. Tivuch Shelly advertised property in Ma'ale Adunim, a West Bank settlement, describing it as an 'exciting new project just 10 minutes from Jerusalem'. Africa Israel promoted a development in West Jerusalem and has been involved in settlement projects in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, while Shapir, listed by the UN Human Rights Office as active in illegal settlements, also participated. The event proceeded despite London Mayor Sadiq Khan's statement on Friday that he had discussed potential criminality with the Metropolitan Police, and a letter from over 100 MPs urging Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper to cancel it, citing inconsistency with UK government guidance against settlement-related economic activity. Demonstrators from the Palestinian Youth Movement and International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network protested outside, facing verbal abuse and threats from pro-Israel activists, with some chanting 'there is no Palestine'. Organisers previously denied that the event would feature land in the occupied West Bank, asserting all properties were within the Green Line.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The event directly challenges the UK's stated policy against settlement-related economic activity, testing enforcement mechanisms and international legal commitments. It illustrates how settlement expansion is promoted globally despite widespread diplomatic condemnation, and the domestic backlash raises political pressure on the UK government to act. The incident also feeds into broader legal and diplomatic debates over settlement legality and accountability, potentially influencing future regulatory or legislative responses to such activities in the UK.

Watch For

A possible Metropolitan Police investigation into potential criminality linked to the property sales. Further UK government actions, such as formal enforcement measures or tightening of advisory guidelines, to prevent similar events. Continued protests and public scrutiny of companies involved in settlement activity. Potential diplomatic friction between the UK and Israel if the UK takes a stronger stance against settlement-linked commercial events.