UK PM reportedly set to sanction ‘Israeli’ settlements

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is expected to approve a trade ban on goods linked to ‘Israeli’ settlements in the West Bank, along with sanctions on individuals involved in their expansion, according to senior government sources cited by The Times.

The move marks a tougher stance than that of his predecessor, Keir Starmer, and comes in direct response to ‘Israel’s’ decision to open tenders for around 1,200 new settler homes in the strategically sensitive E1 area.

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has described the project as “an unacceptable and destructive act,” warning that it “would cut across the heart of Palestine and risks separating the West Bank from East Jerusalem, which would endanger the viability of a two-state solution.”

He added that “Britain will not stand back and accept the destruction of the Two-State Solution” and pledged a “comprehensive set of measures” targeting those participating in illegal settlement expansion.

A senior government source told The Times that Burnham wants a “far more robust” position and is expected to green-light both the goods trade ban and individual sanctions.

Officials have cautioned, however, that implementation poses significant practical challenges, including distinguishing settlement-produced goods from those originating in ‘Israel’ proper.

Concerns have also been raised that legitimate ‘Israeli’ businesses and even some Palestinian enterprises operating in the occupied territories could be inadvertently affected, while a services ban is viewed as largely unworkable.

Burnham signalled his harder line even before taking office.

In July he stated: “We’ve got to do more to put pressure on the Israeli government… Yes, we have taken some important steps… But let’s be honest, the UK was too slow to call for a ceasefire. And we must now do more to strengthen our approach.”

He specifically referenced “looking at further sanctions, both on those involved in the violence in Gaza but also looking at measures to ban trade in goods with illegal settlements,” while criticising the rise in settler violence and accusing the Netanyahu government of attempting “to make a two-state solution impossible.”

The issue has exposed divisions within the Labour Party.

More than 140 MPs—roughly a third of the parliamentary party—have signed a letter demanding a full ban on settlement trade.

Supporters plan to table a related motion at next month’s party conference.

Burnham is understood to be aiming to announce the measures beforehand to avoid the issue dominating his first conference as leader.

“Labour Friends of Israel” has voiced strong opposition to a blanket approach.

The group said it “strongly opposes” the settlements but supports only “calibrated steps against extremist settlers and extremist settler groups.”

It warned that a broad trade ban is “practically impossible” and risks becoming a “de facto boycott” of ‘Israel’.