Controversial London Property Fair Promotes Illegal Israeli Settlements
Nils Adler
A London real estate event marketed properties in illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, despite opposition from over 100 British MPs and activist groups. Activists said there was no mention of Palestinians and that the Gaza war was cited as a reason for lower prices. The event prompted protests and arrests, and calls for an investigation from London's mayor.
London, United Kingdom – Activists infiltrated the “Great Israeli Real Estate Event” in London and shared images with Al Jazeera, showing properties in illegal settlements being marketed. The invitation-only event, held at Edgware United Synagogue, is part of a roadshow promoting land and real estate in Israel, but in practice included homes in areas such as Givat Zeev and Tivuch Shelly in the occupied West Bank, as well as settlements in East Jerusalem.
Flyers advertised housing with slogans like “Exciting new project just 10 minutes from Jerusalem!” and “some with pools!” in Maale Adumim, an illegal settlement in the West Bank under international law.
Isabel, a member of the Jewish Anti-Zionist Action group who spoke to Al Jazeera on condition of anonymity, said the atmosphere inside the fair was subdued and heavily guarded, including men in plain clothes wearing body cameras. She did not hear any attendees mention Palestinians. When discussing occupied Palestinian territory, real estate agents only referred to the “Anglo community” – places where English speakers from the US, UK and South Africa could relocate.
A common sales pitch used by agents was that because of the Gaza war, it was a good time to buy property in Israel as prices had dropped and they were offering discounts. Isabel described the interior atmosphere as akin to university freshers’ week: social chatter, stalls and strangers handing out flyers.
“Unlike outside the synagogue, where there was a lot of protest, inside it was quiet with a heavy police presence and even body cameras on guards. The room was set up with stalls, like a freshers’ fair. On the tables were pens and free chocolates.”
When Isabel spoke with representatives from Israeli real estate company Harey Zahav, they showed ads for properties in Jerusalem and Netanya, a resort city in central Israel. More than 100 British MPs, including members of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour Party, signed a letter on Friday urging the government to “uphold its obligations under international law” and ensure the event “promoting illegal activities does not go ahead”. Layla Moran, a British MP of Palestinian heritage, described the sale as “unacceptable”.
When Isabel told attendees she was interested in something quieter, they whispered that they had a portfolio of properties in “Judea and Samaria”, the Israeli term for the occupied West Bank. One representative said organizers had asked them not to advertise properties in these areas because the “crazy times” had made many people want to stop buying property in Israel. At the Tivuch Shelly stall, representatives were more cautious about discussing West Bank properties but still openly advertised homes in Givat Hamatos and Ramat Eshkol on their flyers. One activist shouted that “this event is selling property on illegally occupied Palestinian land” before being escorted out by security.
Outside, hundreds of protesters chanted slogans and held banners reading “Stop Israel’s illegal sale of stolen Palestinian land” and “Thou shalt not steal”. The Metropolitan Police said 15 people had been arrested at the protests for “a range of offences including public order matters”. Green Party leader Zack Polanski wrote to London Mayor Sadiq Khan, requesting an investigation into the event. Khan said he had discussed the matter with London’s police force and had been told that any criminal allegations related to the sale of illegal property at the fair would be assessed by the Met as part of an investigation.
Israeli settlers are Israeli citizens living illegally on Palestinian land. Israel began building illegal settlements after capturing the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip in the June 1967 Six-Day War. Today, more than 700,000 settlers – 10% of Israel’s population – live in 150 illegal settlements and 128 outposts across the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The Israeli government openly funds and builds settlements, and grants about $5.6 million annually to settlers to monitor, report and restrict Palestinian construction in Area C, which accounts for more than 60% of the West Bank.
United Nations agencies and most countries consider settlements in the West Bank illegal under international conventions. However, the US has provided diplomatic cover for Israel for decades, frequently using its veto at the UN to shield Israel from diplomatic censure.
