UK Bans Israeli Settlement Goods as Legal Experts Demand Embargo

The Government of the United Kingdom implemented an import ban on goods and services from illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank, a move Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband linked to accusations of ethnic cleansing. A government spokesperson described the measures as the biggest reset in the UK's approach to the two-state solution in a generation. France and Canada have adopted similar measures.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar condemned the sanctions as despicable and accused Miliband of telling outrageous lies. In retaliation, Israel ordered the closure of the British consulate in East Jerusalem within 30 days and blocked 12 British politicians from entering the country.

Despite the sanctions, more than 130 legal experts, including 18 king’s counsel, wrote to Prime Minister Andy Burnham arguing the measures are improperly narrow. The experts called for a full arms embargo and a Russia-style sanctions regime that includes insurance, accountancy, and digital infrastructure to meet obligations under an International Court of Justice finding that the occupation is unlawful.

Parallel pressure is mounting in Europe. Over 100 Members of the European Parliament, including all 14 from Ireland, signed an open letter urging European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to introduce similar trade bans. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International also called for the EU to suspend the trade component of the EU-Israel Association Agreement and impose sanctions on Israeli officials and settlers.