UK prepares trade ban on illegal West Bank settlements

Britain is preparing what could become a formal ban on trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, according to reports cited by British media. The measures would cover certain goods and services from the territory, along with their financing and advertising.

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband is expected to announce what the reports describe as “major changes” in Britain’s relations with Israel. The stated aim is to halt settlement expansion, which critics say threatens the possibility of a sovereign Palestinian state.

The policy shift was reportedly accelerated by the E1 project, a strategic corridor intended to sever connections between the northern and southern parts of the occupied West Bank. Miliband has called settlement expansion “an unacceptable and damaging act” and said Britain needed to intervene to preserve the two-state solution.

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an unacceptable and damaging act

Britain recognized the State of Palestine in September 2025, joining more than 140 other U.N. member states. Miliband is also expected to use stronger language about Gaza, with the planned statement reportedly saying that the Israeli military, “in the name of security, is imposing unnecessary controls” on aid entering the territory.

London is reportedly still considering whether to join South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. The reported package is not expected to use the term “genocide.” Prime Minister Andy Burnham has condemned settlement expansion and promised “comprehensive measures” immediately. The reports also cite U.N. data recording more than 1,400 attacks by Israeli civilians in the occupied territories in 2026, causing casualties or property damage.

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in the name of security, is imposing unnecessary controls