The UK government is set to announce a ban on trade in goods produced in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, as concerns grow over continued settlement expansion and its impact on efforts to achieve a two-state solution.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband is expected to outline the proposed restrictions in Parliament on Tuesday, following increasing international concern over Israel’s settlement activity in the West Bank.
Miliband indicated last week that the government was considering changes to its approach to Israel. He is expected to provide details of the proposed trade measures during a statement to the House of Commons.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham also raised the issue during a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump on Monday, stressing the importance of achieving a negotiated two-state solution.
The planned restrictions come following concerns over Israel’s E1 settlement project in the West Bank. Miliband has warned that development in the area could undermine Palestinian territorial ambitions and make a negotiated two-state agreement more difficult to achieve
Pensions Minister Pat McFadden declined to give specific details about how the proposed restrictions would be implemented, saying Miliband would set out the government’s position in Parliament.
McFadden said the urgency surrounding the issue had increased following what he described as intensified Israeli settlement activity in recent months.
The United Nations and most governments, including the UK, consider Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal under international law and regard the territory as being under Israeli military occupation.
Israel rejects that position, describing the West Bank as disputed territory and arguing that Jewish people have historical claims to the land.
Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office and Foreign Ministry had not immediately responded to requests for comment
