The United Kingdom(UK) is set to ban trade in goods produced in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, in a significant tightening of its policy towards Israel and its settlement expansion.
The measure is aimed at reinforcing Britain’s support for a two-state solution and comes amid growing concern over the expansion of Israeli settlements, particularly the controversial E1 project, according to Reuters.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday and stressed the importance of a two-state solution as the UK prepared to announce measures targeting goods produced in Israeli settlements.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has strongly criticised Israel’s plans for the E1 settlement project, which British officials say could threaten the possibility of establishing a viable Palestinian state.
Miliband said last week that the E1 project “risks making a Palestinian state unviable,” warning that the development could undermine efforts to establish a future Palestinian state.
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The urgency behind Britain’s planned action was also highlighted by Work and Pensions Minister Pat McFadden. Speaking ahead of Miliband’s parliamentary statement, McFadden said: “The reason that danger has become more urgent is because of expanded settlement activity in recent weeks and months.”
The planned restrictions are expected to focus specifically on goods produced in Israeli settlements rather than Israeli products generally. Britain is therefore seeking to distinguish between its wider trade relationship with Israel and economic activity linked to settlements in the occupied West Bank.
Britain’s trade relationship with Israel is worth about £6 billion a year, and Reuters reported that the direct economic impact of the proposed restrictions is expected to be limited. Agricultural products, including fresh produce and wine, are among the goods likely to be affected.
The policy comes as Britain faces increasing pressure to take stronger action over Israeli settlement expansion. In June, 137 Labour lawmakers called for an end to trade with Israeli settlements, describing such a move as an important step towards holding Israel accountable for settlement activity.
The E1 area has particular significance because of its strategic location east of Jerusalem. British officials have warned that development there could make the establishment of a geographically connected Palestinian state more difficult.
Miliband has said the British government would introduce a “comprehensive set of measures” in response to Israeli settlement expansion. The UK government has also previously stated that it considers Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank illegal under international law.
The proposed trade restrictions could have wider diplomatic consequences. Israel is expected to oppose the move, while the United States is also expected to criticise Britain’s decision. Britain, however, says its objective is to preserve the possibility of a negotiated two-state solution in which Israel and a future Palestinian state can exist alongside each other in peace and security.
Britain would not be acting entirely alone. Other European countries, including Spain, Ireland and the Netherlands, have also taken or considered measures targeting Israeli settlement activity and goods produced in settlements.
The British government’s planned action therefore represents both an economic measure and a diplomatic signal, reflecting its growing concern over settlement expansion and its determination to maintain the possibility of a two-state solution.
