UK announces ban on imports from Israeli West Bank settlements
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Britain will prohibit the import of goods produced in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and restrict related services, a move mirrored by several other European nations.
Britain said on Tuesday it will bar imports of products originating from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and prohibit companies from providing services such as financing, construction, infrastructure, real estate and advertising to those settlements. The policy, which will take effect within six to nine months, is intended to discourage settlement expansion that the government says undermines the prospect of a two-state solution.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said the decision reflects public opposition to supporting the occupation through consumer purchases. > "I do not believe the British people want us supporting the occupation by accepting products from settlements in our shops and supermarkets," he said.
Israel’s foreign minister condemned the measure, announcing the removal of UK representatives from a joint military monitoring centre and the suspension of UK training for Palestinian Authority security forces. He also barred entry to a number of British officials, describing their activities as hostile to Israel.
The ban follows similar actions by France and Canada, and comes as Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Poland, Portugal and Sweden have pledged further steps. The Netherlands, Ireland, Belgium, Spain and Norway have already implemented comparable restrictions.
The UK also plans to tighten its existing arms embargo on Israel to cover equipment that could be used in the occupied territories. The policy shift occurs after Britain recognized Palestinian statehood last year and reflects growing concern among European allies about settlement activity, which the international community largely regards as illegal.
Critics in the UK warned the sanctions could inflame domestic tensions and potentially bolster support for Israel’s current government. Conservative foreign affairs spokesman Tom Tugendhat warned that isolating Israel might increase sectarian divisions at home.