British-Israeli Relations at Lowest Ebb in Decades
BBC News – Diplomatic correspondent Paul Adams explores the strained relations between Britain and Israel.
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Figure caption: Watch: There is ethnic cleansing in areas of the West Bank, says Miliband
Israel’s furious response to the British government’s decision to ban trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank highlights a significant moment. Britain, along with 12 other countries, took a stand against Israel’s policies, leading to a sharp backlash.
The UK’s actions include closing its consulate in East Jerusalem and removing representatives from the International Gaza Support Centre. These moves signal a deep concern over Israel’s reaction to the policy shift.
For decades, governments have regarded Israeli settlements as illegal but did not impose trade restrictions. Now, the British government agrees with the 2024 International Court of Justice ruling that the occupation is unlawful and has banned products from settlements, along with companies involved in their construction and finance.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband’s statement, reflecting his support for Israel while criticizing "settler terrorism" and "ethnic cleansing," marks a significant departure from previous policies and has led to the lowest British-Israeli relations in decades.
