Will UK sanctions have any impact on Israel's 'settler terrorists' in West Bank?
A look at whether Ed Miliband's plans will be effective and what they signal for future Israel-UK relations
TL;DR
- Britain plans to ban imports from illegal Israeli settlements and sanction companies involved in their expansion.
- The measures target 'settler terrorists' and aim to uphold the rule of law and the two-state solution.
- The UK's decision was partly prompted by Israel's plan for a large new settlement in the E1 area.
- Sanctions could force major Israeli financial institutions to choose between UK business and settlement activities.
- Britain recognizes the illegality of Israeli settlements, aligning with a UN International Court of Justice ruling.
- Israel responded by closing the UK consulate in East Jerusalem and facing condemnation from some politicians.
- Several other countries are reportedly planning similar restrictions on settlement trade.
- The measures are seen as a significant step to impose a political and economic price on Israel for settlement expansion.