UK Weighs New Measures Over Israeli Settlements – MEE
The British government is planning a broad new package of measures targeting Israel that could include restrictions on goods produced in Israeli settlements, sanctions on Israelis and groups associated with the settlement movement, penalties against additional Israeli ministers, and tighter controls on arms exports, Middle East Eye reports.
The proposals could be unveiled after Parliament returns from its summer recess in September, potentially signaling a tougher approach under Prime Minister Andy Burnham. No final decisions have been made. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has been advocating stronger measures and consulting civil society organizations.
The Foreign Office is reviewing several options, including prohibiting settlement goods, imposing legal restrictions on companies and organizations connected to settlements, and sanctioning people and groups involved in the settlement movement in Judea and Samaria. The Charity Commission is separately examining allegations that British charities have transferred funds to settlements. Britain previously sanctioned Israeli ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.
Officials are also weighing additional limits on military exports to Israel. Starmer’s government suspended roughly 30 export licenses in September of 2024 after concluding that there was a “clear risk” of serious breaches of international humanitarian law in Gaza. Britain halted direct exports of British-made F-35 components, although parts supplied through the international spare-parts pool were exempt. British-made components account for roughly 15 percent of each F-35.
The government authorized $169 million in military exports to Israel, including 8,630 munitions. Officials are now considering whether those exports should also be prohibited, though no decision has been reached.
A Foreign Office spokesperson said Israeli settlements violate international law, threaten the prospects of a two-state solution and contribute to instability. The spokesperson also warned that companies operating in the settlements could face legal and reputational risks.
Discussions over banning settlement products began during Starmer’s tenure. Former Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer said in July that officials were studying the practical challenges involved. The Netherlands and Spain have already enacted such bans, while Ireland is in the process of implementation.
Burnham became prime minister in July and apologized for the previous government’s initial backing of Israel’s Gaza war and its refusal to support a ceasefire in 2023 and early 2024. Facing pressure from Labour members to take stronger action, he said last month that his government was considering additional steps in response to what he called “unacceptable violence” in Judea and Samaria.
Labour Friends of Israel has rejected a settlement-trade boycott, arguing that it would be impractical and politically unworkable and could affect companies operating in settlement blocs, East Jerusalem and the Old City. A poll cited by the article, however, found that 87 percent of Labour members support a ban, compared with 6 percent who oppose one.
If approved, the package would represent a significant expansion of Britain’s measures against Israel, potentially targeting settlement products, businesses and charities, Israeli officials and individuals, and military exports. The first measures could be announced after Parliament reconvenes in September.
