London (TDI): The United Kingdom is preparing to ban trade in goods and certain services linked to Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, according to British media reports.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband is expected to announce what has been described as a broad reset in Britain’s relations with Israel, including restrictions on the trade, financing and advertising of goods and services from settlements.
The measures are reportedly aimed at limiting the expansion of settlements and outposts that Britain believes threaten the prospects for a sovereign Palestinian state.
The policy shift has gained momentum following the advancement of the E1 settlement project, a strategic development that would create a corridor between Jerusalem and the Ma’ale Adumim settlement and further fragment the occupied West Bank.
Miliband has described the expansion as an “unacceptable and destructive act”, signalling a tougher British position on Israeli settlement activity.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham also condemned the settlement expansion on Monday and said the government would announce “comprehensive measures” soon.
Miliband is also expected to adopt stronger language over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. According to British media reports, the UK government is expected to argue that Israeli military restrictions imposed in the name of security are unnecessarily limiting the flow of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.
Read More: Gaza, West Bank Violence Making Two-State Solution Impossible: Board of Peace Official
London has also kept open the possibility of joining South Africa’s legal case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. However, the reported package is not expected to describe Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide.
The planned measures follow Britain’s formal recognition of the State of Palestine in September 2025, joining more than 140 UN member states that recognize Palestinian statehood.
The latest move also comes amid growing international concern over violence and settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank.
UN data cited in the reports indicates that more than 1,400 incidents involving casualties or property damage were recorded in 2026.
Read More: Seven Nations Call Israel’s West Bank Settlement Plan ‘Unacceptable’
The reports say around 750,000 Israeli settlers currently live across hundreds of settlements and outposts in the occupied West Bank.
Britain’s policy shift would mark a significant tightening of its approach to Israeli settlement activity and further underline London’s stated support for preserving the possibility of a two-state solution.
