Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced controversial sanctions against Israel on Tuesday, citing 'illegal' West Bank settlements and accusing perpetrators of "ethnic cleansing."
The new sanctions will reportedly ban companies from assisting in the construction or sale of properties within these settlements. The initiative is being coordinated with 11 other countries, including France and Canada.
In response to the sanctions, Israel stated it would close the British consulate in East Jerusalem that is accredited to the Palestinian Authority. The Daily Mail reported that Miliband lashed out at "terrorists" in the disputed areas.
The sanctions represent a significant diplomatic move, escalating international pressure on Israel regarding its settlement policies in the West Bank.