Organizers of London Israeli real estate fair apologize after West Bank properties surface despite denials

June 18, 2026 - 03:55

Organizers of a London-based real estate fair focused on Israeli properties have issued an apology after it was revealed that West Bank settlements were being marketed at the event, despite earlier denials. The fair, which took place earlier this month, had publicly stated that no properties in the occupied territories would be promoted. However, a vendor told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that she had passed information about such properties to ostensibly interested attendees "under the table."

The apology came after journalists and watchdog groups documented that at least one exhibitor was offering homes in settlements beyond the Green Line. Critics accused the organizers of misleading the public and violating their own stated policy. In a statement, the organizers said they were "deeply sorry" for the oversight and pledged to tighten vetting procedures for future events. They claimed the vendor in question had not listed the properties in official materials but had shared details privately.

The incident has reignited debate over the role of international real estate fairs in promoting settlement activity, which is considered illegal under international law. Pro-Palestinian activists had protested outside the venue, calling for a boycott. Organizers emphasized that the fair was intended to showcase a diverse range of Israeli real estate, not to take a political stance. Nonetheless, the controversy has cast a shadow over the event's reputation.