UK lambasts Israeli West Bank settlement expansion, settler rampages

British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband expressed strong condemnation on Monday regarding Israel's decision to open tenders for settlement construction in the E1 area of the West Bank, stating that it undermines the possibility of a two-state solution. In a statement, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office quoted Miliband as asserting that the British government would not remain passive observers as the two-state solution is destroyed.

He further declared that his government would not tolerate the ongoing displacement of Palestinians or the ongoing illegal occupation. Miliband stated that the UK is committed to enacting legislation to prohibit imports from illegal settlements and to take action against companies or services that finance or support them. He revealed that the UK government has gained new authority to impose sanctions on individuals and companies participating in the construction of illegal settlements, including the E1 project.

Miliband appealed to businesses and individuals to refrain from participating in the E1 construction bid, warning of potential legal and reputational repercussions, including involvement in breaches of international law. In September, Britain imposed a ban on the import of goods from illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank, accompanied by a broad sanctions regime.

Miliband also denounced settler attacks in the West Bank and the increasing violence against Palestinians. He deplored recent assaults on officials from France, Belgium, Poland, a representative of the Catholic Church, and a US journalist.