Britain’s sanctions on Israeli settlements reveal hypocrisy of its ‘occupation’ policy - opinion

Britain imposed trade sanctions on Israeli settlements in Judea and Samaria, banning trade and settlement goods. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband accused "settler terrorists" of "ethnic cleansing." Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis called it "a dark day for British Jews." Israel responded by closing the British Consulate in east Jerusalem and barring 12 British politicians and activists. The author argues the policy reveals a double standard, noting Britain's own territorial disputes over the Falklands and Chagos Islands.

Britain imposed trade sanctions on Israeli settlements in Judea and Samaria, banning trade with communities, prohibiting settlement goods, and restricting related services. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband went further, accusing "settler terrorists" of carrying out "ethnic cleansing." Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis called it "a dark day for British Jews." The announcement came three days before Rosh Hashanah. Israel responded swiftly, closing the British Consulate in east Jerusalem and barring 12 British politicians and activists, including Jeremy Corbyn, Diane Abbott, John McDonnell, Zarah Sultana, and every Green Party MP. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich demanded the expulsion of the British ambassador. The author, Rabbi Dr. Jonathan Lieberman, argues the policy reveals a double standard, comparing Britain's treatment of the Falklands and Chagos Islands. He notes that Britain calls Judea and Samaria "occupied Palestinian territory" while the Falklands are a "British Overseas Territory" and the Chagos Islands remain under British control despite an ICJ ruling. The author suggests the sanctions may be partly about British Labour Party politics, losing support to the Greens. The measure was announced during an Israeli election campaign and against the warnings of British Jewish leaders.