Ed Miliband Israel: Ed Miliband promises a UK policy reset over West Bank settlements

The latest ed miliband israel development is a promised “comprehensive reset” of UK policy, focused on preventing British companies from financing, constructing or advertising new Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. The measures have not yet been set out, while Israel has warned it would retaliate if the UK imposes sanctions.

Ed Miliband promises a UK policy reset over West Bank settlements

Speaking to the Commons for the first time as foreign secretary, Ed Miliband said the government was examining how to stop UK companies becoming involved in new settlement projects. He described the planned E1 settlement as “the crossing of a red line”, arguing that its location through the centre of the West Bank risks making a future Palestinian state unviable. The Guardian reported that he said he would announce a comprehensive set of measures “in the coming weeks”.

The E1 project is planned to include 3,400 homes between East Jerusalem and the settlement of Ma’ale Adumim. Israel recently invited companies to bid for contracts for about 1,200 homes, and the plans have been widely condemned internationally. The BBC reported that the development would effectively divide the West Bank and isolate East Jerusalem. BBC coverage said Miliband described the plans as illegal under international law and warned that they could make a two-state solution impossible.

The UK has joined a statement by 20 other countries and the European Union calling the E1 project unacceptable. The statement said the development would drive a wedge through the West Bank and damage the territorial continuity of Palestinian areas. Miliband said the government would not accept the destruction of a two-state solution and was reviewing the wider economic relationship with the occupied territories.

What action is being considered?

The government is considering measures aimed at British involvement in settlements, but the precise scope has not been confirmed. Ministers are under pressure from Labour MPs and campaigners to go further by banning trade in goods and services with people or organisations linked to settlements.

The Guardian reported that a ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank was being prepared, although the government has not yet published such a policy. It also reported that Miliband had told MPs officials were examining how to stop British companies “financing, constructing or advertising new settlements”. Available reporting does not establish whether the final package will include a broader trade ban, targeted sanctions, or both.

The issue has also been linked to UK public procurement. An Al Jazeera investigation found that at least 17 companies linked to Israeli settlements held 125 UK public-sector contracts with a combined award value of £2.129bn. The companies were reported to be involved in services including road maintenance, transport, emergency services and driving-licensing systems. The investigation’s findings were presented as raising questions about whether the UK is meeting its international obligations. Al Jazeera’s report attributed that legal assessment to Stephen Humphreys, a professor of international law at the London School of Economics.

Israel warns of retaliation

Israel’s foreign minister, Gideon Saar, warned that Israel would respond if Britain acted against it. In comments to the Hebrew-language news website Ynet, Saar said: “If Britain acts against Israel, Israel will act against Britain.” He also described possible British action as a mistake, according to the BBC.

The planned UK response has also prompted concern from Jewish organisations in Britain. The Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council warned that a ban on settlement trade could fuel antisemitism in the UK. Yachad, another British Jewish organisation, told Miliband about concerns over the entrenchment of occupation and the effective annexation of the West Bank, according to The Guardian.

The latest verified position is therefore that Miliband has announced a policy review and promised measures in the coming weeks; the final measures, their timing and Israel’s response remain unresolved.