Britain is preparing a plan to restrict economic ties with settlements in the occupied West Bank. The preparations are expected to cover trade, financing and advertising involving goods from these areas, as well as some services.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband is expected to announce a “comprehensive change” in relations with Israel, while the plan aims to halt the expansion of settlements in the West Bank. The measure is intended to preserve the prospect of a two-state solution based on the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state.
E1 project accelerates policy shift
British media analyses indicate that London’s move toward a policy change accelerated after progress was made on the E1 project, which is expected to separate the northern and southern parts of the occupied West Bank.
Miliband described the expansion of settlements as “an unacceptable and destructive act.” The statement signals that Britain is preparing to take a more active stance against Israel’s settlement policy.
London sends message on Palestine and Gaza
Britain formally recognized the State of Palestine in September 2025. This brought the number of United Nations member states recognizing Palestine to more than 140.
Miliband is expected to use stronger language than previous governments on the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The planned statement is expected to say that the Israeli army has imposed unnecessary checks on aid entering Gaza on security grounds.
Option to join ICJ case remains open
London is keeping open the option of joining the legal proceedings brought by South Africa before the International Court of Justice in The Hague. However, the package is not expected to use the term “genocide.”
Prime Minister Andy Burnham condemned the expansion of settlements and said that “comprehensive measures” would be announced shortly.
UN data on the number of attacks
According to United Nations data, the number of attacks carried out by Israeli settlers in the occupied territory in 2026 that resulted in loss of life or property damage exceeded 1,400. These attacks reached the highest level recorded in the area to date.
About 750,000 Israeli settlers live in 516 settlements and outposts in the occupied territory. Efforts to drive Palestinians from their land continue almost every day.
