UK plans new measures to counter Israeli settlement expansion

The UK government plans to announce a package of economic sanctions and other measures in the coming weeks aimed at preventing the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband told the House of Commons on September 8 that Britain needs “a comprehensive reset of our policy” toward the West Bank. The remarks came during his first question-and-answer session in Parliament since the new government took office in July, The Guardian reports.

Miliband said the planned measures would include a ban on goods produced in Israeli settlements, as well as targeted sanctions against British institutions and individuals involved in supporting settlement activity, according to The Jerusalem Post.

According to sources cited by The New York Times, developers and companies facilitating settlement expansion could also face restrictions.

Miliband has also told civil society groups that the government intends to strengthen its support for a two-state solution, while emphasising the protection of Palestinian rights and adherence to international law.

The plans come amid growing tensions between London and Israel. Israel has previously threatened reprisals over Miliband’s remarks accusing the Israeli military of restricting aid deliveries to Gaza. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has also accused the Labour government of antisemitism.

Israeli far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich appeared to respond to the latest reports by calling for the British ambassador to be expelled.

By Sabina Mammadli