LONDON: Britain’s new government plans to announce a package of economic sanctions and other measures aimed at preventing further expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband told lawmakers.
Speaking during his first House of Commons question session since the government took office in July, Miliband said Britain needed a “comprehensive reset” of its West Bank policy.
The proposed measures could include banning goods produced in Israeli settlements and imposing targeted sanctions on British institutions and individuals involved in settlement activity.
Furthermore, Miliband said the government did not want British companies financing, constructing or advertising new settlements and was examining ways to prevent such involvement.
Britain Targets Economic Links With Israeli Settlements
Miliband said ministers were reviewing Britain’s broader economic relationship with the occupied territories and coordinating potential measures across government and with allies.
He highlighted Israel’s E1 settlement project near Ma’aleh Adumim, arguing that construction there could undermine the viability of a future Palestinian state.
The International Court of Justice issued an advisory opinion in 2024 stating that Israeli settlement activity in the occupied Palestinian territory violates international law. Israel disputes that position and maintains its right to build in Area C.
Israel Warns Britain of Retaliatory Measures
Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar warned that Israel would respond if Britain introduced measures targeting the country.
“If they do, there will be a reaction,” Sa’ar said in an interview with Israeli news outlet Ynet.
Consequently, the planned British measures could deepen tensions between London and Jerusalem, already strained over Gaza, the West Bank and Britain’s recognition of Palestinian statehood in 2025.
Nevertheless, Miliband reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to a two-state solution, saying his government would oppose developments it believes could make a future Palestinian state unviable.
