Britain moves to boycott settlement goods as US and Israel raise pressure over Falklands

Britain is expected to announce a ban on trade with Israeli settlements on Tuesday, a move presented as a response to the International Court of Justice’s 2024 advisory opinion on Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories.

“

All states have an obligation, not merely an option, not to recognize that situation as lawful and not to provide aid or assistance in maintaining it.

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband is scheduled to announce the measure, which is expected to prohibit investment in businesses operating in the settlements. The ICJ opinion said the occupation was illegal and called on states, including Britain, to take steps to oppose it.

Francesca Albanese, the U.N. special rapporteur for the occupied Palestinian territories, said states had “an obligation, not merely an option” to avoid recognizing the situation as lawful and to withhold assistance or support that helps maintain it. She said settlement-related trade restrictions should form part of “a genuine paradigm shift” aimed at implementing the court’s 2024 opinion.

“

A genuine paradigm shift on the Israel-Palestine issue, ultimately aimed at implementing the 2024 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice.

The Muslim Labour Network and the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians issued a legal review calling for a total ban on British citizens and companies conducting economic or financial activities in Israeli settlements, as well as broader activities supporting the settlement economy. The review said Britain has duties under international humanitarian law and under Common Article 1 of the Geneva Conventions.

“

A total ban on British citizens and companies conducting economic and financial activities in illegal Israeli settlements, as well as activities more broadly supporting the illegal settlement economy.

The expected British move comes as Israel plans a new settlement project in the E1 area east of Jerusalem. The project is expected to divide the occupied West Bank into two sections. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar warned that Israel would retaliate if Britain acted against it. The dispute then widened into a separate argument over the Falkland Islands after Yair Netanyahu said the islands belonged to Argentina, not Britain. Yair Netanyahu is not a minister, but Donald Trump subsequently suggested Washington could review its position on British sovereignty over the islands.

“

If Britain acts against Israel, Israel will act against Britain.