Britain prepares measures against Israeli settlements in the West Bank
According to the Jerusalem Post, the United Kingdom plans to announce a package of economic sanctions and other measures in the coming weeks to prevent the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank. British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband stated this in the House of Commons.
Miliband called for a “comprehensive reset” of British policy on the West Bank. This was his first question-and-answer session with lawmakers since the government he represents took office in July.
Planned restrictions
According to Miliband, the package of measures should include a ban on goods produced in settlements, as well as targeted sanctions against British institutions and individuals. The government is also examining broader economic relations with the occupied territories and tools for influencing them.
The head of the British Foreign Office said that London does not want British companies to finance, build or promote new settlements. He added that the government is developing mechanisms to stop such activity in cooperation with other government bodies and allies.
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Israel’s statement and the E1 project
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said that Israel would take retaliatory measures if the United Kingdom acted against it. In an interview with the Ynet website, he said that the country was prepared for such a development and expressed hope that London would not make the relevant decision.
Earlier, Miliband raised the issue of targeted sanctions after the Israel Land Authority opened applications in August for 1,234 housing units in the E1 area of the Maale Adumim settlement. He said this could undermine the prospect of a two-state settlement.
The E1 project envisages the construction of 3,400 homes in an area within the municipal boundaries of Maale Adumim. The Palestinian Authority and the international community warned that the development could hinder the territorial contiguity of Palestinian development. Miliband called E1 a longstanding “red line” because, he said, the project threatens the viability of a Palestinian state.
Israel asserts the right to build housing for settlers in Area C of the West Bank, which is under Israeli military and civilian control. At the same time, the International Court of Justice stated in its 2024 advisory opinion that such construction in Area C is illegal.
