UK to Ban Trade With Israeli Settlements, Citing International Law

Britain is expected to announce a significant shift in its policy towards Israel, including a ban on trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank, according to a report in The Guardian. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband is slated to describe the planned move as a "comprehensive reset" of relations with Israel.

In a speech to Parliament, Miliband is expected to commit to a more active British policy supporting Palestinians and introduce measures aimed at curbing settlement expansion. He will also likely reiterate calls for a two-state solution, emphasizing the protection of Palestinian rights and adherence to international law. The report suggests Miliband will use stronger language than his predecessors regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza, asserting that the IDF imposes unnecessary restrictions on aid delivery, creating a dire humanitarian crisis. The Israeli Foreign Ministry has vehemently rejected this claim.

However, the package of measures is not expected to include sanctions against Israel for restricting aid to Gaza, nor will Miliband define the situation in Gaza as genocide. The Foreign Secretary reportedly doubts Britain's ability to significantly influence aid delivery beyond pressuring for the removal of restrictions.

Miliband is expected to frame the actions against settlements within the broader context of upholding international law, referencing rulings by the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice in The Hague. Britain is also considering joining countries like South Africa in proceedings against Israel at the ICJ, alleging violations of previous court decisions.

The anticipated steps are expected to provoke strong reactions from Israel and the United States. Israel has previously threatened retaliatory measures following Miliband's remarks on Gaza aid, while U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee accused the Labour government of antisemitism.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham discussed his regional plans with U.S. President Donald Trump and leaders in Gulf states, including Qatar. A poll by Opinium published in The Guardian indicates that 46% of Britons support a ban on trade with settlements, with only 18% opposing it. Excluding undecided respondents, support for the measure approaches three-quarters.