Andy Burnham is facing a dispute with both Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank, reports BritPanorama.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband is expected to outline a “reset” of the UK’s relations with Israel during a statement in the Commons on Tuesday, coinciding with a tougher stance from Downing Street regarding Palestine. Ministers have indicated that goods originating from illegal settlements in the West Bank, deemed a Palestinian territory, could face trade restrictions as part of these policy changes.
In a phone call on Monday, Burnham discussed the Middle East with Trump, whose administration is likely to criticize the UK’s intervention. A Downing Street readout indicated that Burnham emphasized the UK’s commitment to fostering peace and security in the region, highlighting the importance of the two-state solution, though it did not disclose Trump’s response.
Tensions in the West Bank have escalated in recent months, with instances of violence erupting between Israeli settlers and Palestinians. Reports suggest that the Trump administration may issue a statement denouncing the UK’s proposed sanctions.
Burnham, who has expressed increasing concern over Israel’s plans for settlement expansion—particularly regarding the controversial E1 project—previously advocated for a change in governmental approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict after he assumed office in July. This shift aims to address dissatisfaction among left-wing supporters who felt neglected under Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership during the Israel-Gaza conflict in late 2023.
Labour MP Peter Prinsley cautioned that the new sanctions could heighten the risk of anti-Jewish sentiment in the UK, arguing that critics of Israel may conflate government actions with the Jewish community itself. He suggested that timing should be reconsidered, factoring in upcoming Israeli elections.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden clarified that the sanctions will not constitute a blanket boycott of all Israeli goods but will specifically target products from settlements that are deemed illegal under international law. He noted the importance of Israel as a trading partner for the UK and emphasized the intent to focus solely on settlement expansion policies.
Chris Philp, Shadow Home Secretary, described the sanctions as “performative posturing,” raising concerns about their practicality and the potential to damage security cooperation between the UK and Israel. This reflects a broader apprehension within the government regarding the implications of the new policy on bilateral ties.
As the UK navigates these complex diplomatic waters, the outcome remains uncertain, particularly in light of the contentious backdrop accompanying the ongoing Israel-Palestine situation. The government’s approach will likely face scrutiny in the forthcoming weeks as the dynamics evolve.
