UK, France, Canada to ban imports from Israeli settlements

Britain, France, and Canada have announced trade bans against Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, accusing the Israeli government of turning a blind eye to alleged "ethnic cleansing" of Palestinians. British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband stated that the Israeli government has supported the forced displacement of Palestinians, prompting the Western allies to join nine other European countries in issuing a statement to introduce or support restrictions on trade with the settlements.

In response, Israel closed Britain's consulate in Jerusalem, banned 12 British visitors, and threatened to expel British diplomats, bar training for Palestinian Authority forces, and expel the British consulate in Jerusalem. While the trade curbs are expected to target mainly agricultural products, wine, Dead Sea cosmetics, and industrial products, the UK's sanctions target companies and individuals providing services to the settlements, with 38 individuals already sanctioned.