Britain is set to announce a ban on imports of goods produced in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, a senior minister said on Tuesday, as the government seeks to reinforce its support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband is expected to outline the policy in a statement to Parliament, roughly six weeks after taking office. Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who entered office in July, also discussed the two-state solution with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday.
The move follows growing concern within the British government over expanded Israeli settlement activity in the West Bank.
Miliband said last week, that Israel’s proposed E1 settlement development could divide territory that Palestinians seek for a future state and further threaten prospects for a two-state agreement.
Pensions Minister Pat McFadden did not provide details on how the proposed trade restrictions would be implemented.
“The foreign secretary will make a statement to Parliament later today,” McFadden told Times Radio. “The reason that danger has become more urgent is because of expanded settlement activity in recent weeks and months.”
The policy would mark a shift in Britain’s approach to trade involving Israeli settlements, although its precise scope and implementation are expected to be clarified by Miliband.
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The United Nations and most governments, including Britain, regard Israeli settlements in the West Bank as illegal under international law and consider the territory to be under Israeli military occupation.
Israel disputes that position, describing the West Bank as contested territory and maintaining that Jews have historical rights to the land.
The Israeli prime minister’s office and foreign ministry had not immediately responded to requests for comment.
Britain’s proposed restrictions come amid broader international debate over settlement expansion and the future of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, with London arguing that preserving the possibility of a viable Palestinian state remains central to a two-state solution.
Reuters
