UK announces sanctions on West Bank settlements prompting furious Israeli response

What the report says

Britain has announced sanctions targeting illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, in a move the government says is meant to push back against settlement expansion and support the two-state solution. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband told lawmakers that the policy marks a new approach, combining criticism of settlement activity with economic and trade measures aimed at goods, companies and individuals linked to settlement growth. The UK said the restrictions will be rolled out over the coming months and will also bar advertising for illegal settlements in Britain.

The BBC reported that the announcement was made alongside France and Canada, and followed growing international concern about violence by settlers and Israel’s plans for further construction in the strategically sensitive E1 area east of Jerusalem. Miliband said the government believes the occupation has become unlawful because of the extent of control and expansion, and he said legal processes should determine allegations of war crimes in Gaza. Israel strongly rejected the claims.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar responded by calling the accusations false and announced counter-measures, including shutting the UK consulate in East Jerusalem and limiting some UK-linked activities. He also said several British MPs would be barred from entering Israel. The dispute has intensified diplomatic friction between the two countries and underscores the wider international debate over settlements, the future of Palestinian statehood and the conduct of the Gaza war.