Britain bans goods from Israeli West Bank settlements
Britain announced a trade ban on goods made in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, prompting criticism from Israeli officials.
London, United Kingdom. Britain on Tuesday announced a trade ban on goods made in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, coordinated with France and Canada, as diplomatic pressure on Israel increases. Foreign Minister Ed Miliband said the measure was intended to oppose settlement expansion and protect the two-state solution.
British position
Miliband told the House of Commons that Britain could no longer simply “call out” injustice and suffering and had to “act” against the expansion of settlements.
“Today we refuse to be bystanders to further suffering and to the destruction of the two-state solution,” he said, referring to Britain’s longstanding support for a two-state solution.
Miliband, who became foreign minister in July, said Britain considers the occupation in the West Bank unlawful and believes there is ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in parts of the territory.
Trade impact and international reaction
The impact on annual bilateral trade worth £6 billion is expected to be minimal. Details remain unclear on how the United Kingdom will distinguish goods originating in West Bank settlements from products made in Israel.
The United States, through its ambassador to Israel, has criticised Britain’s new sanctions.
Israeli response
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for the British ambassador in Tel Aviv to be expelled. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir asked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to close the British Consulate in East Jerusalem, which is accredited to the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog accused Britain of interfering in Israel’s upcoming elections, scheduled for late October.
Settlement plans
Recent concern has focused on Israel’s E1 settlement project in the West Bank near Jerusalem. The project would cross land sought by Palestinians for a future independent state and, according to Miliband, would put the two-state solution at risk.
Smotrich on Tuesday announced progress on plans for 1,000 new homes in two other West Bank settlements.
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