UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s government is preparing to ban trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband will announce the new sanctions regime, creating potential friction with US President Donald Trump following a telephone discussion between the two leaders.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s administration is moving forward with a contentious policy shift regarding the Middle East. According to people familiar with the matter, the UK government is expected to implement a ban on trade with Israeli settlements located in the West Bank.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband to Announce Sanctions Regime
The upcoming announcement will establish a targeted sanctions regime aimed specifically at Jewish settlements in the West Bank. According to people familiar with the matter, Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband will formally unveil the measures. While the restrictions are limited to the West Bank settlements rather than Israel as a whole, they represent a significant tightening of British policy.
Bloomberg first reported last month that British officials were drafting the sanctions package. The initiative was developed as London sought to increase pressure on Israel in response to home-building advancements in strategically sensitive areas of the West Bank. Proposals under consideration specifically target the exchange of goods and services with these settlements.
Diplomatic Friction With US President Donald Trump
The timing of the trade ban places Burnham in a delicate diplomatic position regarding Washington. Prior to the expected announcement, Prime Minister Burnham and President Trump spoke by telephone. A readout issued by 10 Downing Street confirmed that the two leaders discussed a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinian territories during their conversation.
Diplomatic observers note that the call likely served as an advance notification from Burnham to Trump regarding the impending sanctions package. Both 10 Downing Street and the Foreign Office declined to comment on the specifics of the upcoming policy, while the White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the matter.
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