Ed Miliband promises a comprehensive policy reset on Israel to address illegal West Bank settlements
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband stated that the UK intends to "reset" its policy on Israel within the coming weeks. The administration announced that it will examine measures to prevent British companies from financing, constructing, or advertising new settlements in the occupied West Bank. Miliband described the plans for the E1 settlement as a "red line" that risks making a Palestinian state unviable. Prime Minister Andy Burnham warned that the E1 settlement could "imperil or end" the two-state solution. Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar warned that the country will retaliate if the UK imposes sanctions. Saar stated that if Britain acts against Israel, Israel will act against Britain. The administration also noted that 17 companies linked to illegal settlements hold over 2.1 billion pounds in UK public-sector contracts. These include companies owned by Motorola Solutions, Heidelberg Materials, Egis, CAF, and Fosun International. The administration warned businesses against bidding for construction tenders in illegal settlements to avoid legal and reputational consequences.
Sources
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Israel will ‘act against Britain’ if it imposes sanctions over plans to expand illegal settlements
The Independent
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Israel warns it will retaliate if UK imposes sanctions
BBC
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Ed Miliband promises ‘comprehensive reset’ of UK policy toward Israel
The Guardian
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UK has billions in contracts with firms tied to illegal Israeli settlements
Al Jazeera