UK's proposed ban on Israeli settlement trade would breach int'l legal obligations, lawyers warn

UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) warns that a proposed UK ban on trade with Israeli businesses in east Jerusalem and the West Bank would breach several of Britain's international legal obligations, including the UK-Israel Trade and Partnership Agreement, GATT, and GATS. UKLFI argues the ban could harm Palestinian workers and create conflicts with US anti-boycott laws.

UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) has warned the UK government that a proposed ban on trade with Israeli businesses in east Jerusalem and the West Bank would breach several of Britain's international legal obligations. Former trade minister Chris Bryant argued that the UK has a legal obligation not to 'aid or assist' the Israeli settlements and is actively considering bans on the import and export of goods and services. UKLFI sent a briefing paper to Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband and Legal Adviser Sally Langrish challenging this analysis. UKLFI argues that an outright import or export ban would violate the UK-Israel Trade and Partnership Agreement, which prohibits quantitative restrictions, as well as GATT and GATS. The paper also warns that the ban could harm Palestinian workers, as thousands are employed by Israeli businesses in the West Bank earning higher salaries than Palestinian employers offer. Additionally, UKLFI notes that US federal and state anti-boycott legislation could penalize British companies participating in such a boycott, potentially discouraging US investment in Britain. Jonathan Turner, CEO of UKLFI, stated that the government's position appears to be the opposite of the correct legal position.