The United Kingdom is poised to announce trade restrictions targeting Israeli settlements in the West Bank on Tuesday, a move that has already faced significant pushback from U.S. and Israeli officials. The measures are expected to include an embargo on goods and some services connected to West Bank settlements, marking a notable shift in London's policy under Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
According to reports, the announcement was anticipated to follow a phone call between Burnham and President Donald Trump on Monday. A readout from 10 Downing Street indicated that the leaders discussed the Middle East, with Burnham emphasizing the UK's commitment to peace and security in the region and stressing the importance of a two-state solution. The readout did not specifically mention the planned sanctions, but reports suggest Burnham may have briefed Trump on the impending measures. This development could create an early point of tension between the two leaders, given the Trump administration's strong support for Israel.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, who has signaled a "comprehensive reset" of Britain's policy regarding Israeli settlements, is expected to formally unveil the new measures. Miliband had previously stated that Britain would take action to protect the prospects of a two-state solution, identifying the E1 project east of Jerusalem as a long-standing "red line" threatened by Israeli settlement expansion.
Israeli officials have reacted sharply to the planned restrictions. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for the expulsion of the British ambassador, accusing the UK government of attacking Jews and Israel. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir suggested that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should retaliate by recognizing Argentine sovereignty over the Falkland Islands and imposing sanctions on Britain, accusing the UK of having "violently" taken the disputed islands.
In the United States, U.S. officials stated they were "tracking the plans closely." Representative Randy Fine, R-Fla., warned that the planned measures could potentially implicate Florida’s anti-boycott law, possibly restricting some British companies from doing business with state and local governments.
Burnham has joined leaders from Canada, France, Germany, and Italy in condemning Israel's E1 settlement expansion, arguing that the project jeopardizes the viability of a future Palestinian state. The new UK government under Burnham is reportedly focused on economic growth and strengthening sovereign UK capabilities, while also emphasizing the critical nature of the U.S.-UK relationship and the imperative to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and ensure open straits.