UK to adopt tougher stance on Israel with illegal settlements trade ban
Ed Miliband to reassert support for Palestinian rights and a two-state solution in move likely to draw fierce criticism from US and Israel
TL;DR
- The UK will implement a ban on trade in goods and some services from illegal Israeli settlements.
- Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband aims to reassert support for a two-state solution and protect Palestinian rights.
- The move is expected to face criticism from the US and Israel.
- Polling indicates strong public support in the UK for banning trade with illegal Israeli settlements.
- The UK government regards all Israeli settlements built on territories captured in 1967 as illegal under international law.
- The ban aligns with an ICJ advisory opinion requiring governments not to aid or assist an Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory.
- The UK is also concerned about Israel's E1 settlement project and increased settler violence in the West Bank.