Ed Miliband Calls for a “Comprehensive Reset” of UK Policy on Israeli West Bank Settlements

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced that Britain will develop measures to prevent UK firms from financing, constructing or advertising new settlements in the occupied West Bank. The government said it will publish a detailed set of actions in the coming weeks, which could include bans on trade with entities linked to illegal settlements.

GB News

The E1 plan, situated between East Jerusalem and the settlement of Ma’ale Adumim, has drawn criticism from a coalition of 20 countries, including France, Germany, Italy and the European Union, which issued a joint statement calling the project “unacceptable.” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz labeled it a “big mistake.” Earlier this month, Israel invited bids for about 1,200 homes in the same zone, prompting former British diplomats to urge the UK to threaten companies that participate in “illegal settlement” construction.

The Guardian

Miliband’s pledge was echoed by Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty, who said the government is “looking at further sanctions” and may restrict trade in goods from settlements. Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the issue as “urgent” and promised an update to Parliament soon. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar warned that any British action against Israel would be met with a reciprocal response, citing Israel’s “tools” to act.

GB NewsThe Guardian

Labour MP James Naish questioned whether the current pace of settlement expansion shows that existing UK measures are ineffective, suggesting a trade ban as the next step. A former Labour minister cautioned that sanctions could provoke retaliation from the United States and Israel, urging ministers to weigh the risks carefully.

The Guardian

• “The E1 settlement will undermine the prospect of the two-state solution by driving a wedge through the West Bank and harming the territorial contiguity of the Palestinian territories.” — Ed Miliband, after foreign secretary

The Guardian

• “Does the foreign secretary accept that this pace of expansion shows that current UK measures are failing to change Israeli government behaviour, and that a trade ban is now the necessary next step?” — James Naish

The Guardian

• “If Britain acts against the state of Israel, the state of Israel will act against Britain. We have the tools. The period is over when people act against the state of Israel and the state of Israel doesn’t respond.” — Gideon Sa’ar, Israel’s foreign minister

The Guardian

• “This Government will not acquiesce in the destruction of the two-state solution.” — Ed Miliband, after foreign secretary

GB News