UK to sanction trade from Israeli settlements in West Bank
The move follows weeks of attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinian villages in the illegally occupied territory that some Western governments fear threatens the two-state solution.
Britain's new Labour government, led by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, is set to impose sanctions on trade from Israeli settlements in the West Bank. This decision, which comes after weeks of escalating attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinian villages, has drawn criticism from the United States and Israel. The move comes as part of a broader effort to signal a tougher stance towards Israel under the new leadership.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, who will make a statement to parliament outlining the measures, said the restrictions would target the expansion of illegal settlements, which are deemed unlawful under international law. However, the government emphasized that the sanctions are not intended to be a boycott of all Israeli goods. The UK's trade with the occupied Palestinian territories was valued at around £38 million (US$51 million) in 2025.
Israel has threatened retaliatory action in response to the sanctions, with Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich calling for the expulsion of Britain's ambassador to Israel.
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- UK to sanction trade from Israeli settlements in West Bank freemalaysiatoday.com
