What will UK sanctions against Israeli settlements change?

The UK's decision to ban imports from illegal Israeli settlements and impose sanctions on entities involved in their construction has intensified pressure on Benjamin Netanyahu's administration. This comes as the West Bank witnesses unprecedented land seizures. Over two years have passed since the International Court of Justice issued an advisory opinion, urging all states to refrain from recognizing Israel's decades-long occupation and to halt settlement construction, which is deemed illegal under international law.

Israel's settlement expansion began upon its occupation of Palestinian territory in 1967 and has intensified since October 7, 2023.

One development has particularly drawn attention: the Israeli government has awarded a contract to construct 1,200 housing units as part of the E1 settlement. This project would effectively divide the West Bank in half, rendering the possibility of a Palestinian state implausible. On this episode of Beyond the Headlines, host Nada AlTaher interviews Mairav Zonszein, a senior analyst on Israel at the International Crisis Group, to explore the potential impact of the new UK-led measures on the ground and their influence on Israel's actions.