UK announces sanctions on Israeli settlements in West Bank and accuses settlers of 'ethnic cleansing'
Summary
- Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband confirms the UK will ban the import of goods from Israeli settlements in the illegally occupied West Bank - here's what else he said
- Speaking in Parliament, Miliband says "ethnic cleansing" is being carried out by "settler terrorists" and accuses the Israeli government of turning a "blind eye"
- He also says France and Canada will join the UK in imposing sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank, which are illegal under international law
- It's since been announced that nine other countries will do the same: Denmark, Spain, Finland, Ireland, Iceland, Norway, Poland, Portugal and Sweden
- The sanctions come as Israel plans to develop 1,200 new homes in the occupied West Bank and amid a rise in settler attacks on Palestinians this year
- Earlier, Israeli and US officials warned the UK over the restrictions - Israel's President Isaac Herzog called them a "grave miscalculation"
- Meanwhile, US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee told the BBC British firms could be "banned" from doing business in a number of US states
Sanctions mark 'turning point' in UK-Palestine relations, says Palestinian ambassador
published at 00:03
Image source,Reuters
The UK's sanctions on illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank mark a "turning point in UK-Palestine relations", says Palestinian ambassador to the UK, Husam Zomlot.
In a post on X, he says: "Today, Britain begins to move from condemnation to consequences, from words to action."
Zomlot says it is not possible to "recognise the state of Palestine" while "allowing its territory to be annexed".
He adds that this decision from the UK is "long overdue" and "therefore not the end, it must be the beginning".
"Britain should now lead in Europe, across the Commonwealth, and internationally, to ensure that no state, company, bank, or institution contributes to, facilitates, or profits from this illegal occupation," he adds.
Today's announcement goes further than expected
The UK's sanctions on illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank mark a "turning point in UK-Palestine relations", says Palestinian ambassador to the UK, Husam Zomlot.
In a post on X, he says: "Today, Britain begins to move from condemnation to consequences, from words to action."
Zomlot says it is not possible to "recognise the state of Palestine" while "allowing its territory to be annexed".
He adds that this decision from the UK is "long overdue" and "therefore not the end, it must be the beginning".
"Britain should now lead in Europe, across the Commonwealth, and internationally, to ensure that no state, company, bank, or institution contributes to, facilitates, or profits from this illegal occupation," he adds.
Today's announcement goes further than expected
published at 23:53 8 September
Jack Fenwick
Political correspondent
Ed Miliband’s clear intention throughout that statement was to signpost a change in the UK’s approach to Israel.
The sanctions announced went further than expected – to include companies and individuals who provide services for settlement expansion and the refusal of license applications for arms that contribute to the occupation.
His language went way beyond that of Keir Starmer’s government too.
The foreign secretary said the government now agreed that activity in the West Bank amounts to “ethnic cleansing” – not something ministers would have previously said.
There was a nod too to those critics who want them to go further still.
Miliband said the government would continue to wait for the International Court of Justice to rule on whether Israel’s actions amount to genocide.
But there’s also one important factor which shows consistency, rather than change, with the Starmer government – international cooperation.
Starmer generally chose to make big foreign policy interventions alongside allies – particularly France and Canada.
This morning we weren’t sure whether that would be the case, but it has now been confirmed that others including France and Canada will also ban the import of goods from illegal settlements.
Given that, what’s still unclear is whether the UK would have joined this ban, if Starmer rather than Burmham, had still been the prime minister.
The answer to that could ultimately decide how big a shift in foreign policy this really is.
Political correspondent
Ed Miliband’s clear intention throughout that statement was to signpost a change in the UK’s approach to Israel.
The sanctions announced went further than expected – to include companies and individuals who provide services for settlement expansion and the refusal of license applications for arms that contribute to the occupation.
His language went way beyond that of Keir Starmer’s government too.
The foreign secretary said the government now agreed that activity in the West Bank amounts to “ethnic cleansing” – not something ministers would have previously said.
There was a nod too to those critics who want them to go further still.
Miliband said the government would continue to wait for the International Court of Justice to rule on whether Israel’s actions amount to genocide.
But there’s also one important factor which shows consistency, rather than change, with the Starmer government – international cooperation.
Starmer generally chose to make big foreign policy interventions alongside allies – particularly France and Canada.
This morning we weren’t sure whether that would be the case, but it has now been confirmed that others including France and Canada will also ban the import of goods from illegal settlements.
Given that, what’s still unclear is whether the UK would have joined this ban, if Starmer rather than Burmham, had still been the prime minister.
The answer to that could ultimately decide how big a shift in foreign policy this really is.
Image source,Reuters
UK government increasing 'target on British Jews' - Jewish Leadership Council
UK government increasing 'target on British Jews' - Jewish Leadership Council
published at 23:44 8 September
The Jewish Leadership Council, which represents many of the UK’s Jewish organisations, has accused the government of putting an “increased target on British Jews” by banning imports of goods from Israeli settlements.
In a statement, the council described the decision as “deeply irresponsible” and alleged that the government was “yielding to pressure from the most extreme elements of British society”.
"The government's increasingly punitive and unbalanced approach towards Israel does nothing to advance peace, risks harming Jewish life in Britain, and damages the UK's relationship with a vital ally," the JLC adds.
The JLC was among the Jewish groups invited to meet Andy Burnham and Angela Rayner in Downing Street last week to discuss the issue of antisemitism in the UK ahead of the upcoming Jewish High Holy Days.
The Jewish Leadership Council, which represents many of the UK’s Jewish organisations, has accused the government of putting an “increased target on British Jews” by banning imports of goods from Israeli settlements.
In a statement, the council described the decision as “deeply irresponsible” and alleged that the government was “yielding to pressure from the most extreme elements of British society”.
"The government's increasingly punitive and unbalanced approach towards Israel does nothing to advance peace, risks harming Jewish life in Britain, and damages the UK's relationship with a vital ally," the JLC adds.
The JLC was among the Jewish groups invited to meet Andy Burnham and Angela Rayner in Downing Street last week to discuss the issue of antisemitism in the UK ahead of the upcoming Jewish High Holy Days.
Image source, Getty Images - Image caption,
Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Angela Rayner met Jewish community leaders in Downing Street last week
Charities and campaign groups react to UK's sanctions on illegal Israeli settlements
Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Angela Rayner met Jewish community leaders in Downing Street last week
Charities and campaign groups react to UK's sanctions on illegal Israeli settlements
published at 23:41 8 September
Campaign group Human Rights Watch (HRW) says the UK's import ban on goods from illegal Israeli settlements is, amongst other sanctions, a "long-awaited and positive change in Britain’s policy".
In a statement, HRW says governments have "for too long" responded to the Israeli' government's "incessant and grave violations of international law with earnest words but little action".
ActionAid UK describes the announcement as welcome and significant, if "long overdue", saying it is the UK's "first step" to "ending its complicity in Israel’s unlawful occupation".
"As state-backed settler violence reaches record levels... the UK must also take further action to hold the Israeli government accountable," a statement from the charity reads.
Amnesty International UK says the foreign secretary's announcement could be "the sea change that is needed", describing it as "hugely welcome".
"Today's measures are a genuine step towards accountability for Israel's repeated and flagrant violations of international law," it adds.
Lib Dems say they support ministers 'robustly challenging' Israeli government
Campaign group Human Rights Watch (HRW) says the UK's import ban on goods from illegal Israeli settlements is, amongst other sanctions, a "long-awaited and positive change in Britain’s policy".
In a statement, HRW says governments have "for too long" responded to the Israeli' government's "incessant and grave violations of international law with earnest words but little action".
ActionAid UK describes the announcement as welcome and significant, if "long overdue", saying it is the UK's "first step" to "ending its complicity in Israel’s unlawful occupation".
"As state-backed settler violence reaches record levels... the UK must also take further action to hold the Israeli government accountable," a statement from the charity reads.
Amnesty International UK says the foreign secretary's announcement could be "the sea change that is needed", describing it as "hugely welcome".
"Today's measures are a genuine step towards accountability for Israel's repeated and flagrant violations of international law," it adds.
Lib Dems say they support ministers 'robustly challenging' Israeli government
published at 23:22 8 September
Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesperson Calum Miller says his party supports the foreign secretary in "robustly challenging the illegal actions" of the Israeli government.
He says this is compatible with the right of both Israel and Palestine to exist, and the "resolute support" for the rights of British Jews to live "free from the scourge of anti-Jewish hatred".
Asked if the UK will ban all arms exports to Israel, including components of F35 fighter jets, Miliband says the UK "stopped providing direct parts to Israel's F35 programme in October 2024".
"The only provision we make now is indirectly to the global supply chain," he says, adding that those that oppose this are advocating for the "downing of the whole programme", which he describes as "crucial".
Foreign ministers release joint statement on trade sanctions
Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesperson Calum Miller says his party supports the foreign secretary in "robustly challenging the illegal actions" of the Israeli government.
He says this is compatible with the right of both Israel and Palestine to exist, and the "resolute support" for the rights of British Jews to live "free from the scourge of anti-Jewish hatred".
Asked if the UK will ban all arms exports to Israel, including components of F35 fighter jets, Miliband says the UK "stopped providing direct parts to Israel's F35 programme in October 2024".
"The only provision we make now is indirectly to the global supply chain," he says, adding that those that oppose this are advocating for the "downing of the whole programme", which he describes as "crucial".
Foreign ministers release joint statement on trade sanctions
published at 23:15 8 September
Miliband said earlier France and Canada would also announce a ban on the importing of good from illegal settlements.
A joint statement from the foreign ministers of 12 countries has just been shared, on their intentions to impose restrictions on trade with illegal settlements.
The countries are: France, the UK, Canada, Denmark, Spain, Finland, Ireland, Iceland, Norway, Poland, Portugal and Sweden.
The statement says the two-state solution must be protected and calls on the Israeli government to immediately halt the expansion of settlements.
Miliband said earlier France and Canada would also announce a ban on the importing of good from illegal settlements.
A joint statement from the foreign ministers of 12 countries has just been shared, on their intentions to impose restrictions on trade with illegal settlements.
The countries are: France, the UK, Canada, Denmark, Spain, Finland, Ireland, Iceland, Norway, Poland, Portugal and Sweden.
The statement says the two-state solution must be protected and calls on the Israeli government to immediately halt the expansion of settlements.
Please sanction oso the goods produced by occupied Donbas, which is also not recognized internationally.
ReplyDeleteMfer, f*cos yr twisted neurons lah!
DeleteThe Donbass natives went through a referendum to join Russia. So what the fart r u talking about?
Meanwhile, in the case of land rampass in Levant, those acts were/r done by Europe rejected zionists.
Mana, Sana?
Recognize Islas Malvinas belongs to Argentina.
ReplyDelete🇮🇱🇬🇧 ISRAEL HITS BACK AT BRITAIN.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, with PM Netanyahu’s approval, has announced a package of countermeasures against the UK following the Labour government’s latest sanctions on Israel.
Israel will:
• CLOSE the British Consulate in Jerusalem.
• REMOVE British representatives from the International Gaza Support Center in Kiryat Gat.
• END Britain’s training of Palestinian Authority forces in Judea and Samaria.
• BAR 12 British elected officials and other British nationals accused of antisemitic, anti-Israel activity or denying Israel’s right to exist.
Sa’ar’s message was unmistakable:
“Whoever acts against Israel, Israel will act against them.”
He accused the Labour government of systematically targeting Israel through sanctions, arms restrictions, recognition of a Palestinian state, renewed UNRWA funding, sanctions on Israeli ministers and other measures.
And he made clear this may not end with Britain:
“Britain initiated and led the current move. But we will also take countermeasures… against other countries that act or will act against Israel.”
The era of Israel absorbing diplomatic punishment without responding appears to be over.
Measures against Israel will not go unanswered.
Wakakaka…
DeleteThe era of Israel absorbing diplomatic punishment without responding is just beginning.
Soon, the Yankee would following what those bleeding-hearted European nations' step.
The British Foreign Secretary, Ed Miliband is being badly advised over Israel and the Middle East, and the British people could pay a very high price. Israel’s economy is booming. Its GDP is up. Overseas investment is massive. Unemployment is rock bottom. The currency is very strong and stable.
ReplyDeleteBut Andy Burnham is set to ban all trade on goods in Judea and Samaria on Tuesday, declaring that Britain will not stand back and accept the “destruction of the two-state solution”.
Israel gives huge intelligence to Britain preventing terror attacks. Israel sells arms to Britain. 25% of pharmaceuticals and medicine in Britain comes from Israel.
Despite the Israeli election next month, Israel will respond at the right time and Britain with its failing economy will eventually suffer.
It’s an another disastrous decision from the British Labour government.
Wakakakaka…
Delete'…Israel’s economy is booming. Its GDP is up. Overseas investment is massive. Unemployment is rock bottom. The currency is very strong and stable.'
Mfer, r u living underneath the zionist well?
Or u r still roaming in yr wet dream!
The U.S. has given Israel more than $300 billion in total military and economic help since 1948
DeleteThe Council on Foreign Relations notes that “Israel has been the largest cumulative recipient of U.S. foreign aid since its founding, receiving over $300 billion (adjusted for inflation) in total economic and military assistance.”
The 10-Year Agreement (MOU)
The U.S. and Israel signed a ten-year deal for 2019 through 2028.
The deal promises $3.8 billion each year.
This yearly money includes $3.3 billion for Foreign Military Financing and $500 million for missile defense. [1] (https://www.cfr.org/articles/us-aid-israel-four-charts), [2] (https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/RL33222)
Without leeching on its wankee serfs it will be a bankrupt state
KT please provide US assistance data to other ME countries.
DeleteNote: there are many US military bases all over the ME, but NONE in Isaac. That alone cost many times more.
mucho wankee assets in shailok-istan - air refuellers, F-35a etc
DeleteGreat conversation this evening with UK Opposition Leader @KemiBadenoch and Shadow Foreign Secretary @TomTugendhat.
ReplyDeleteI thanked them for their firm opposition to the hostile Labour Government’s announcement today and its series of anti-Israel policies since taking office.
I welcomed their support for the friendship with Israel and their commitment for the future relations between our countries. We know that we have many friends in the UK, but unfortunately we are faced with the ongoing hostility of the current Labour government.
I also thanked Kemi for her warm wishes ahead of the Jewish New Year.
https://x.com/gidonsaar/status/2097379710749622682?s=46&t=8K6fzabO3g6uaj4KxwSSjg
wakakakaka… politikus talks & plots!
DeleteVery Aneh the UN remains neutral over who owns Islas Malvinas, which is located 8,000km away from Britain, near Argentina. But they are so forceful in insisting E1, only a km away from Jerusalem DOESN’T belong to Israel.
ReplyDeletemfer, check yr fart about that roads infested Formosa island lah
DeleteHeight Of Hipocracy….
ReplyDeleteBesides Islas Malvinas…….remaining territory RAMPASSED by UK in the past, often by violence….
The UK still governs 14 regions known as British Overseas Territories that are located across the Atlantic, Pacific, Caribbean, Indian Ocean, and Europe.
Where the Territories Are Located
Caribbean and North Atlantic: Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Montserrat, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
South Atlantic: Saint Helena, Ascension, Tristan da Cunha, South Georgia, and the South Sandwich Islands.
Pacific Ocean: Pitcairn Islands.
Europe: Gibraltar (bordering Spain) and the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia on Cyprus.
Polar Regions: British Antarctic Territory.
Now please list Isaac colonies:
Yilek.
wow… Height Of Hipocracy!!!!!
DeleteDefinitely no higher than yr fart chamber.
When US sanctions others they say sanctions don’t work and cause harm to unintended victims.
ReplyDeleteSo What Do They Say Now?
so, do u, mfer
DeleteHeight of Hipocracy….
ReplyDeleteUK, France, Spain, Portugal, Denmark (Greenland) are ALL huge colonialist of territories thousands of km away but accuse Israel of occupying a strip of land just down the road from their Holy of Holies.
Very Aneh.
UK, France, Spain, Portugal, Denmark etc accused Israel of BEASTLY MONSTROUS UNCIVILISED genocidal behaviour (not of the shailoks occupation of a strip of Levant) in the same manner as they did Germany. Shailoks are condemned for their BEASTLY MONSTROUS UNCIVILISED behaviour. Uughhh
DeleteAnd KT is sagesting Spain, Portugal, Britain, France etc all Colonized via peaceful means?
DeleteDid Alfonso De Alberquerque Bring Flowers and Cake to Malacca in 1511?
mfer, have u done a case to case comparison with yr fart of inconsequential?
DeleteAlfonso De Alberquerque didn't Bring Flowers and Cake to Malacca in 1511. Neither, had he doing what the zionists done in the land of Levant!
Britain says it wants a “reset” with Israel.
ReplyDeleteFine. Then the whole relationship should be part of the reset, including the parts London rarely discusses in public.
In 2015, MI5 found roughly 3.5 tons of ammonium nitrate in northwest London, stockpiled by Hezbollah as a contingency for a possible future attack. Senior British ministers knew. Parliament did not.
Years later, Israeli officials said the Mossad had provided the intelligence that led Britain to the cache.
This week, as London moves to punish Israel economically over the West Bank, British ministers are simultaneously insisting that Israel remains an “important security ally” and that intelligence cooperation should continue.
That contradiction is the point.
Britain cannot steadily redefine its political relationship with Israel while assuming the most valuable parts of the strategic relationship remain automatic.
My column on the Hezbollah file Britain kept secret, what London gets from Jerusalem, and what a real “reset” would actually mean.
https://x.com/zvikaklein/status/2097343085063582011?s=46&t=8K6fzabO3g6uaj4KxwSSjg
1) above info provided by Zvika Klein צביקה קליין
Delete@ZvikaKlein Editor-in-Chief @jerusalem_post - obviously pro shailoks.
2) Britain's diplomatic-political relationship with Israel doesn't mean the Poms must condone shailoks' genocidal attacks in West Bank or Gaza
KT's Info Source is BBC, pro Establishment, So I am Providing Alternative View.
Deleteoooop… mger, can u do a dig on what & how the zionist terrorist groups of Irgun and Lehi done in their active years allover the world, especially in those bleeding-hearted European countries?
DeletePre 1948 there was no IDF to protect Isaacs in the Holy Land as the Ishmaels were killing defenseless civilians. Irgun and Lehi provided protection they desperately needed.
DeleteWakakaka… what a f*ck!
DeleteMfer, dig deeper into the MO of the Irgun and Lehi zionist terrorist group lah before u fart.
Care to show what mfering protection they offered to the land rampass-ed Jews in the land of Levant?
Actually, none, which, mfer
The Size of E1 is 12 sqkm, a quarter the size of Putrajaya (49 sq km). By comparison Islas Malvinas is 12,000 sq km, TWELVE TIMES the size of Penang Island.
ReplyDeleteE1 is 6 km from Temple Mount, walking distance. Islas Malvinas is 13,000 km from UK.
Population is about the same - a few thousand (including the penguins).
But hey, E1 is the Issue.
Not Malvinas because No Isaacs Involved there.
playing size & proximity, wow… mfer!!!!
DeleteJust remember all those land he native Levant property.
The Europe rejected zionist occupiers jave ZILCH right & say!