The United Kingdom is preparing to implement a ban on imports from Israeli settlements in the West Bank, a move Prime Minister Andy Burnham is reportedly close to finalizing. The potential sanctions come despite warnings that they could jeopardize the United Kingdom's security cooperation with Israel.
The package of measures could be announced as early as Tuesday morning. Prime Minister Burnham is understood to have discussed the plans with U.S. President Donald Trump during a phone call on Monday night, an effort to preemptively address a potential negative reaction from the White House.
Downing Street stated that Burnham has not communicated with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu since taking office in July, a point of note given Israel's status as a significant ally in the Middle East.
The Labour government is facing considerable pressure from within its party to adopt a firmer stance on Israel, particularly after recent electoral setbacks. Concerns over Israeli settlement expansion have been growing, intensified by a recent Israeli decision to tender for 1,200 new homes east of Jerusalem, a move that would bisect the West Bank.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband had previously characterized the settlement expansion plan as "crossing a red line" and being "illegal under international law." He described the proposal as slicing "through the heart of the West Bank and risks making a Palestinian state unviable," advocating for a "comprehensive reset" of relations with Israel. Prime Minister Burnham has also voiced concerns that the Israeli proposals could "imperil or end" the two-state solution, a long-standing British foreign policy objective.
However, imposing sanctions carries the risk of significant repercussions. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has warned that Israel would retaliate, stating, "If they act, I think they will be making a big mistake."
Conservative shadow foreign secretary Tom Tugendhat cautioned that such a move could undermine security cooperation, which has been credited with saving British lives. He urged the government to prioritize national interests and security, emphasizing the importance of allies who provide intelligence.
Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice criticized the potential ban as a "stupidly self-defeating" attempt to appeal to certain voter demographics, calling it a "kamikaze mission" that would damage vital security and economic ties.
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis expressed concerns that sanctions would be "counterproductive" and could incite further hostility toward British Jews, suggesting that domestic political considerations might be unduly influencing foreign policy decisions.
Sir William Shawcross of the UK Israel Alliance described the potential action as an "appalling mistake" by a "weak government" that disregards British national interests, arguing it would embolden extremist enemies and fuel anti-Jewish racism.
Ministers are also anticipating a strong reaction from the White House. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has previously accused Miliband of animus towards Jewish people. Downing Street has rejected claims that the government is not committed to protecting the Jewish community in the UK.
A Downing Street spokesperson confirmed that Prime Minister Burnham discussed the UK's commitment to regional peace and security, including the importance of the two-state solution, with President Trump during their recent call.