UK Imposes West Bank Settlement Sanctions, Forms 12-Nation Coalition
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Sep 12
UK Imposes West Bank Settlement Sanctions, Forms 12-Nation Coalition
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Sep 12
Summary
Ed Miliband said Britain will impose economic sanctions on Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and coordinated the move with a 12-country coalition including France and Canada.
The UK framed the step around its view that the occupation is unlawful, with Miliband describing violence by settlers as ethnic cleansing carried out by settler terrorists.
The most far-reaching measure targets those who finance illegal settlements, potentially exposing Israeli banks if they continue servicing settlement activity.
The coalition was built outside the EU, G7 and other formal blocs, reflecting how London and other middle powers are trying to act without relying on Washington under Donald Trump.
The move also lands as Israeli elections approach next month and as Western support shows signs of fraying, including tougher rhetoric in the US over settler violence.
How will global banks navigate the hidden financial traps created by the UK's unprecedented sanctions on Israeli settlements?
With Israel threatening retaliation, could Britain's bold diplomatic move fracture traditional Western alliances or redefine international law enforcement?
Will targeting the wallets of settlement financiers actually halt the controversial E1 project, or simply drive the funding underground?