Interaction Report - February 2026

By February 2026, the UK’s domestic response to the conflict had reached a peak of securitisation, with a reported 660% surge in terrorism arrests following the proscription of Palestine Action. Over 1,800 people were detained in a single year, though a subsequent High Court ruling deemed the proscription disproportionate and a violation of free speech. Despite these legal battles and ongoing regional instability, Israel’s tourism sector saw significant growth from British visitors, solidified by official support from the UK Ministry of Tourism. Meanwhile, the government’s independent review into protest laws faced criticism for initially excluding Palestinian advocacy groups from consultations, raising further concerns about transparency and civil liberties.