UK, France, Canada announce ban on trade with Israeli settlements in West Bank

British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, along with France and Canada, have announced a ban on trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The move comes in coordination with the three nations. On August 19, Miliband had promised a comprehensive set of measures in the coming weeks, though the timing has been criticized as occurring just before the Jewish High Holy Days, which may see an increase in antisemitic terror attacks.

Miliband has condemned Israeli settlers for committing ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in parts of the West Bank. He stated that the UK occupation in the West Bank is unlawful and that the country now has to act against the expansion of settlements. Miliband emphasized that the UK will not be a bystander to further suffering and the destruction of the two-state solution.

Concerns have been raised that the sanctions could harm the UK-Israel relationship and negatively impact British Jews. France will also ban products from Israeli settlements in the West Bank, along with 11 other countries, citing frenzied settlement expansion, increased settler violence, and acts of terror. The foreign ministers of 12 countries have collectively affirmed their intention to introduce national and/or support European restrictions on trade with Israeli settlements, arguing that Israeli actions in the West Bank are undermining the possibility of a two-state solution.