UK’s Burnham risks Trump anger with new sanctions on Israel

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham's government plans to ban trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank, as part of a new sanctions regime targeting the country. This move comes after a phone call between Burnham and US President Donald Trump, where Burnham informed Trump about the sanctions. The sanctions are expected to be announced by Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband and are primarily symbolic, with little impact on trade or security between the UK and Israel.

The proposal was developed following Israel's decision to allow the construction of 1,200 settlement homes in the West Bank, a move that has heightened tensions between Israelis and Palestinians. Burnham and other Western leaders have condemned the housing plan, urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to withdraw the tender.

Burnham aims to demonstrate a stronger stance on the issue compared to his predecessor Keir Starmer, who faced criticism for his handling of the issue.