UK to Announce Economic Boycott of West Bank Settlements

British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband is set to announce measures tomorrow aimed at economically boycotting West Bank settlements, including a ban on trade and investment. Miliband had signaled this move last week, telling the House of Commons that London needs a "comprehensive reset of our policy" toward the West Bank. The new measures will reportedly include a ban on settlement goods and specific sanctions targeting British institutions and individuals involved with them.

Miliband stated that the British government is also reviewing its broader economic ties with the Palestinian territories and the tools available to address them. He emphasized that London does not want British companies to finance, participate in building, or promote new settlements. The government is currently working to identify ways to halt such activities.

The upcoming announcement comes in the context of an advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice in The Hague two years ago regarding the legal status of settlements. The specific details and scope of the measures are expected to be clarified during the official announcement tomorrow.