The United Kingdom will ban the import of goods originating from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, a move that Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband stated is in line with the government's agreement that "ethnic cleansing" is occurring in parts of the territory. Miliband informed Parliament that the Israeli government is effectively ignoring these actions.
In response to the UK's announcement, Israel has closed the British consulate in Jerusalem. Additionally, the Israeli government has banned 11 members of the UK Parliament from entering the country.
The policy change marks a significant shift in the UK's approach to its dealings with Israel, particularly concerning the status of settlements in the West Bank, which are considered illegal under international law. The UK government's explicit acknowledgment of "ethnic cleansing" in these areas represents a strong condemnation of Israeli actions.
This development comes as the UK government has been re-evaluating its stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The ban on settlement goods aims to exert economic pressure and signal disapproval of the expansion of settlements, which are viewed as a major obstacle to peace.