UK government expected to announce restrictions on trade with West Bank settlements
The UK government is preparing to announce new trade restrictions on goods produced in Israeli-occupied West Bank settlements. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband is expected to detail these measures, which are part of a broader policy reset regarding the Israel-Palestine relationship.
Why it matters
This represents a significant shift in British foreign policy that could strain diplomatic relations with Israel and impact international trade standards.
Image source, EPA Image caption, Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband is expected to announce the measures on Tuesday
The UK government is to set out new restrictions on buying goods made in Jewish settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, the BBC understands.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband is expected to outline the measures in the Commons on Tuesday, which could include restrictions on trade in agricultural products from settlements.
Last week, Miliband said he would unveil a "comprehensive reset" of the British government's policy on Israel.
The Israeli government has previously warned it would retaliate if any new measures were introduced.
Settlements are illegal under international law, and recent months have seen a rise in violence towards Palestinians in the West Bank by settlers.
One minister told the BBC: "The statement will be a complete reset of the nature of our Israel-Palestine relationship. It will all feel very different.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in