Barclays drew up plans to pull out of future Israeli government bond auctions as it reviewed its exposure to the country under pressure from pro-Palestinian activists, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

Aug 14 (Reuters) - Barclays drew up plans to pull out of future Israeli government bond auctions as it reviewed its exposure to the country under pressure from pro-Palestinian activists, the Financial Times reported, opens new tab on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

Barclays has also faced criticism for providing financial services to defence firms that produce equipment used by the Israeli Defence Force.

Separately, activists had disrupted Lloyds Banking Group’s (LLOY.L), opens new tab annual shareholder meeting in May, protesting against its alleged provision of financial services to defence firms linked to violence in the Middle East.