The British government is expected to introduce sanctions targeting goods produced in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, following Israel’s plans to build more than 1,200 housing units in the controversial E1 area.
The proposed measures have received support from several British lawmakers, human rights organisations and members of the public.
Labour MP Richard Burgon said sanctions against Israeli settlements would be an important step towards ending what he described as Israel’s unlawful occupation of Palestinian territory. He also argued that the measures would help Britain meet its legal and moral responsibilities under international law.
The E1 settlement project would create a continuous settlement corridor linking occupied East Jerusalem with Ma’ale Adumim, a large Israeli settlement east of Jerusalem.
Human Rights Watch also welcomed the possibility of a trade ban. Sarah Sanbar, the organisation’s acting Israel-Palestine researcher, said Britain needed to move beyond condemnation and take concrete action.
The British government has previously criticised Israel’s settlement expansion. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said the E1 project was unacceptable and that Britain would consider measures targeting those involved in settlement expansion.
However, groups allied with Israel, including Labour Friends of Israel, have opposed a broad trade ban. They argue that sanctions could negatively affect Palestinians, Israelis and British consumers and could be difficult to implement.
Supporters of the ban reject those concerns, arguing that businesses operating in settlements could continue their activities if they moved out of occupied Palestinian territory.
Growing public support
A recent YouGov poll indicated that around half of Britons support banning trade with Israeli settlements, while only 16 percent oppose such a measure.
More than 140 Labour MPs have reportedly called for a trade ban. Labour MP Sarah Champion said Britain should not support Israel’s occupation of the West Bank.
Human rights advocates argue that banning settlement goods could reduce the financial benefits of settlement expansion and put greater pressure on Israel to comply with international law.
The proposed UK measures come amid growing international criticism of Israel’s settlement policies and the continuing conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.
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