The United Kingdom is poised to announce new restrictions on trade with Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, according to reports from the BBC. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband is expected to outline the measures in Parliament on Tuesday, which could include curbs on agricultural products originating from these settlements.
Last week, Miliband indicated a significant shift in British policy, stating he would reveal a "comprehensive reset" of the UK's approach to Israel. The Israeli government has previously warned of retaliation if such measures were introduced.
International law deems settlements in occupied territories to be illegal. In recent months, there has been an increase in violence against Palestinians in the West Bank by settlers. One minister described the upcoming statement as a "complete reset of the nature of our Israel-Palestine relationship," suggesting it would extend beyond sanctions and aim to achieve long-standing policy objectives.
While the full details of the restrictions have not been made public, Labour MPs briefed on the plans believe they will target trade with illegal settlements, potentially encompassing both goods and services. Prime Minister Andy Burnham confirmed to Labour MPs that Miliband would be making the statement and had briefed international leaders on Monday.
Burnham spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday, emphasizing the importance of a two-state solution. An official account of the call from Downing Street did not specify whether the sanctions were discussed, and the U.S. has not commented on the matter.
Previous statements from ministers indicated a desire to expand existing sanctioning powers, which were previously limited to instances linked to settler violence and did not cover contractors working on settlements. Ministers acknowledge that banning a small quantity of primarily agricultural products may be largely symbolic but are expected to present the announcement as a significant reset of broader British policy concerning Israel.
The anticipated UK announcement follows Israel's decision to open tenders for the construction of approximately 1,200 settlement homes in the E1 area, a strategically sensitive zone east of Jerusalem. These plans have faced widespread international condemnation and had been deferred for decades due to global pressure.