UK Defends Sanctions on Israeli Settlements as Allies Follow Suit
UK bans trade with West Bank settlements; Miliband defends move, citing two-state solution and Palestinian appeals.
Britain's Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has defended the government's decision to ban trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, calling it "the right thing to do" in an interview on Wednesday. The ban, announced on Tuesday, marks a significant hardening of the UK's stance toward its longtime ally.
Miliband said the move was driven by the conviction that a two-state solution — with viable and secure states for both Israelis and Palestinians — is being undermined by the rapid expansion of settlements. He pointed to the recent E1 settlement project in August, which he said would cut through the heart of a future Palestinian state.
The Foreign Secretary acknowledged the economic impact of the ban would likely be limited, as settlements produce mostly small-scale agricultural exports. But he stressed the symbolic importance, noting that France and Canada have announced similar actions. He added that he had consulted Palestinian leaders, who urged the international community not to stand by.
Israel reacted angrily, with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar condemning the move as "despicable." In retaliation, Israel said it would close the British consulate in Jerusalem, expel UK representatives from a joint military center monitoring the Gaza ceasefire, and end UK training of Palestinian Authority security forces. Israel also barred entry to a dozen British lawmakers and other UK citizens it accused of antisemitic and anti-Israel activity.
Miliband emphasized that the UK's argument is not with the Israeli people but with the actions of their government. He also warned against holding British Jews responsible for Israeli government actions, calling such attitudes "antisemitism pure and simple." He said more must be done to tackle antisemitism while upholding British values of rule of law and dignity.
The Foreign Secretary expressed concern that Israel's actions are making it less secure, not more, and that the country risks isolation. He noted that Britain was not alone in acting, with several other countries sharing deep disquiet over developments.