Britain Israel Sanctions

The United Kingdom has banned trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, where it says “settler terrorists” are carrying out “ethnic cleansing” of Palestinians. In response, Israel said it would close the British consulate in Jerusalem. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said Tuesday that the U.K. will ban imports of all goods from the settlements and bar companies from providing services for the settlements. He said France and Canada would also ban trade in goods from settlements. The economic impact is likely to be limited, since the settlements produce only a small amount of largely agricultural exports. But the move is a symbolic expression of displeasure.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has defended the decision to ban trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank, emphasizing fairness and justice. He said Wednesday that Britain stands with the underdog. Israel condemned the move and said it would close the British consulate in east Jerusalem and ban 11 lawmakers. France and Canada announced similar actions against Israel. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband accused "settler terrorists" of ethnic cleansing. The ban, covering imports and services, takes effect in up to nine months. The economic impact is limited, but the move symbolizes displeasure with Israel.