The British government is preparing a series of measures targeting Israel’s illegal settlement enterprise, including a ban on settlement goods, further sanctions and possible restrictions on arms exports, according to a report by Middle East Eye.
Multiple Whitehall and civil society sources revealed that Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s government is expected to announce new policies after parliament returns from its summer recess in September, although discussions remain ongoing and no final package has been made public.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband is said to be pushing for tougher measures and has consulted civil society organisations over the government’s approach. Among the options under consideration are sanctions against companies and organisations linked to settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as well as further measures against individuals involved in the settler movement and potentially additional Israeli ministers. Miliband became foreign secretary on 20 July.
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While such measures would mark a shift from the policies pursued under former Prime Minister Keir Starmer, many will see the change as the bare minimum required of Britain in light of its obligations under international law.
