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Ed Miliband Announces UK Trade Ban on Goods from Illegal Israeli Settlements

UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced a ban on all goods produced by illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. The administration announced that the official view of the British government is that the occupation is unlawful, and the trade ban will take six to nine months to come into force. Miliband also announced tougher restrictions on arms sales to Israel, stating that the UK will refuse license applications for goods and services that materially contribute to the occupation. In response to the announcement, the Israeli government announced four counter measures, including closing the British consulate in Jerusalem and banning 12 British MPs from entering Israel. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar accused the UK of systematically working against the state of Israel. U.S. officials have expressed concern regarding the economic consequences of the move. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the U.S. will not follow the UK's lead. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee warned that the sanctions could have a huge economic impact on British businesses, noting that British firms could be banned from doing business in several U.S. states. Florida Representative Randy Fine warned that British companies forced to comply with the ban could be barred from doing business with the state of Florida.

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