UK reportedly preparing sweeping sanctions on Israeli settlements, drawing calls to expel ambassador
British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband is expected to announce a significant shift in London’s policy toward Israel on Tuesday, including a series of sanctions targeting Israeli settlements in Judea and Samaria, according to The Guardian.
The proposed measures reportedly include a ban on trade in goods produced in West Bank settlements, restrictions on related services and business activity, and a formal declaration that Israel’s presence in the territory is illegal. Additional sanctions are expected against individuals and entities involved in expanding settlements.
The reported move has already sparked anger in Israel. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for the British ambassador to be expelled, while National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir proposed retaliatory sanctions against the UK and Israeli recognition of the Falkland Islands as Argentine territory.
