Israeli West Bank settlements hit by sanctions as UK, France and Canada push for two-state solution | Today’s news
Britain, France and Canada have announced coordinated measures targeting goods made in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, increasing pressure on Israel over settlement expansion and reaffirming their support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The British government announced the trade ban on Tuesday, saying it could no longer simply condemn Israeli settlement expansion without taking action. The move comes as Israel faces growing diplomatic criticism over its policies in the West Bank and its conduct in Gaza.
British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has told the House of Commons that the UK must act against what it sees as growing threats to the prospects of a Palestinian state.
“Today we refuse to stand by on further suffering and the destruction of the two-state solution,” Miliband said.
Great Britain increases pressure on Israel
Miliband said the British position is that Israel’s occupation of the West Bank is illegal. He also said London believed Palestinians were facing ethnic cleansing in some parts of the territory.
The UK has long supported the creation of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel. Britain has recognized a Palestinian state in 2025, joining a growing group of countries supporting Palestinian statehood as part of efforts for a two-state settlement.
The latest trade restrictions add to measures Britain introduced in June, when it sanctioned Israeli networks accused of funding, enabling and carrying out violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
The expansion of settlements is a cause for concern
The latest sanctions come at a time of renewed international concern over Israeli settlement expansion.
One of the main areas of interest is the E1 settlement project near Jerusalem. Palestinians and several Western governments have warned that developments in the area could divide the West Bank and undermine the territorial continuity needed for a future Palestinian state.
Miliband said the project posed a threat to the two-state solution.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also announced progress on Tuesday on plans for 1,000 new homes in two other settlements in the West Bank.
The United Nations, the Palestinians and most countries consider Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank illegal under international law. Israel disputes this position.
Israel threatens retaliation
Israel reacted angrily to Britain’s decision.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for the expulsion of the British ambassador from Israel. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to close the British consulate in East Jerusalem, which is accredited to the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has accused Britain of interfering in Israel’s internal politics ahead of elections expected at the end of October.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office and Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
US criticizes British sanctions
The United States also criticized Britain’s move.
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee told the BBC that the sanctions amounted to “discrimination against the Jewish people”. He also warned that the move could have consequences for British businesses operating in US states that restrict government contracts, public procurement or public investment involving companies boycotting Israel.
The criticism highlights widening disagreements between Israel and some of its traditional Western partners over settlement policy and the future of the Palestinian territories.
Growing international pressure
Britain, France and Canada join a wider group of European countries that have either banned or plan to ban goods from Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
Miliband said the UK, France and Canada were joining the Netherlands, Ireland, Belgium, Spain and Norway in adopting or considering such measures.
The coordinated action reflects growing concern among Western governments that continued settlement expansion could make a negotiated two-state solution increasingly difficult.
