UK to Ban Trade with Israeli West Bank Settlements

The United Kingdom is set to announce a ban on trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank, with the decision expected to be delivered in Parliament on Tuesday afternoon following a debate on Jewish safety. The measures are anticipated to prohibit goods produced in the settlements and to impose targeted sanctions on certain British institutions and individuals.

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband had previously indicated that a comprehensive set of actions would be announced in the coming weeks. Jewish organisations, including the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council, have warned that the sanctions could strain UK-Israel relations and adversely affect British Jews.

"These measures will be counter-productive and could endanger prospects for peace," said Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, adding that they may impact the community’s religious, family, charitable, and educational ties to Israel.

Shadow Foreign Secretary Tom Tugendhat cautioned that harming diplomatic ties with Israel could have security repercussions for the United Kingdom, noting past cooperation that helped thwart terrorist plots.

Jonathan Turner, chief executive of UK Lawyers for Israel, argued that a blanket import ban would breach World Trade Organization rules, existing UK-Israel agreements, and EU regulations applicable to Northern Ireland, and could also damage the Palestinian economy.

Downing Street confirmed that Prime Minister Andy Burnham has not spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu since taking office 50 days ago, even as the government proceeds with the proposed sanctions.