Britain has announced a ban on imports from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank as it adopts a tougher position on Israel’s settlement policy.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced the measures in the House of Commons on Tuesday.
He said Britain would also take action against companies and individuals that help expand settlements through construction, infrastructure, financing and real estate services.
The new measures are part of what Miliband described as a broader sanctions regime. The government said the policy aims to protect the possibility of a two-state solution.
Miliband condemns settlement expansion
Miliband said Britain considers Israeli settlements in the West Bank unlawful under international law.
He also accused Israeli settlers of carrying out what he described as ethnic cleansing against Palestinians in parts of the West Bank.
The British government has strongly opposed recent settlement expansion, including the controversial E1 development. Critics say the project could divide the West Bank and make a future Palestinian state harder to establish.
Miliband said Britain could no longer simply condemn the situation. He argued that the UK must take practical action.
UK backs a two-state solution
The foreign secretary reaffirmed Britain’s support for a negotiated two-state solution.
He said the continuing expansion of settlements threatens the prospects for a viable Palestinian state.
Britain has also joined France, Canada and other countries in supporting restrictions on trade with Israeli settlements. Twelve countries issued a joint statement saying Israeli government actions in the West Bank are undermining the possibility of a two-state solution.
The UK stressed that the new measures do not amount to a boycott of all Israeli products. Trade with Israel within its internationally recognized borders will continue.
Restrictions will target settlement-related businesses
The new British policy will also target businesses involved in settlement expansion.
Companies providing construction, infrastructure, financing or real estate services to settlement projects could face sanctions.
The measures are expected to take effect over the coming months. Britain also plans immediate sanctions against individuals accused of supporting or inciting violence against Palestinians.
The government has also announced restrictions on certain arms and export licences where officials believe they could materially contribute to the occupation.
Britain cites suffering in Gaza and West Bank
Miliband also referred to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the wider conflict.
He said the suffering in Gaza represents a profound failure of the international community and stressed that Britain would not remain silent over what it considers injustice.
The foreign secretary has previously said Britain wants to maintain pressure for Palestinian rights while also supporting Israel’s security.
The latest policy marks a significant shift in Britain’s approach to Israel and its settlement policy.
