Britain is set to announce a trade ban on goods produced in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, as the new government steps up efforts to support a two-state solution and curb settlement expansion.
Britain will announce a ban on imports of goods made in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, marking a significant shift in its policy towards Israel and reflecting the government’s renewed push for a two-state solution.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband is expected to outline the trade restrictions in a statement to Parliament. The move comes after he warned last week that expanding Israeli settlement activity was putting the prospect of a Palestinian state at greater risk.
Miliband has specifically criticised Israel’s E1 settlement project in the West Bank, saying it could cut across territory sought by Palestinians for a future state. The government has not yet provided details on how the proposed trade ban will be implemented.
Pensions Minister Pat McFadden confirmed that Miliband would make the announcement in Parliament later on Tuesday, citing the growing urgency created by increased settlement activity in recent months.
“That’s the danger that has become more urgent,” McFadden told Times Radio.
The United Nations and most governments, including Britain, consider Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal under international law and regard the territory as being under Israeli military occupation. Israel disputes that position, arguing that the West Bank is disputed territory and that Jews have historical rights to the land.
More from BusinessThe announcement comes after Prime Minister Andy Burnham spoke with US President Donald Trump on Monday, stressing the importance of a two-state solution. The issue is expected to add another layer of complexity to Britain’s relations with Israel and its allies.
US lawmaker warns UK over Israel boycott
The British move has also drawn criticism in the United States. In a post on social media, US Congressman Randy Fine warned that companies complying with a British boycott of Israeli goods could face consequences under Florida law.
Fine said a Florida law he helped pass while serving in the state legislature could prevent companies that boycott Israel from doing business with Florida state or local governments.
He also cited Airbnb’s decision in 2019 to remove listings in Israeli settlements, claiming the law contributed to the company reversing that policy.
The comments underscore the potential clash between Britain’s new trade restrictions and US state-level laws aimed at countering boycotts of Israel.
