UK's Burnham set to impose trade ban on Israeli settlements - report

Prime Minister Andy Burnham is reportedly preparing to announce 'robust' new sanctions targeting Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

A UK government source told The Times that it will be a major shift in Britain's diplomatic strategy despite concerns the measures could escalate into a broader 'de facto boycott' of Israel.

This stark shift in policy comes in direct response to Israeli plans to open tenders for the construction of 1,200 new housing units in occupied West Bank settlements.

Senior Downing Street sources indicate that with these new sanctions, Burnham intends to adopt a far firmer stance on the issue than his predecessor, Sir Keir Starmer.

Under the plans under review, the UK government is expected to approve a total ban on trade linked to Israeli settlements and introduce targeted individual sanctions against key figures involved in settlement expansion.

British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband recently condemned Israel’s settlement expansion, describing the opening of new construction tenders as "an unacceptable and destructive act" that directly threatens the viability of a future two-state solution.

The Foreign Office also summoned Israel’s chargé d'affaires in London to formally protest the development. Israeli officials have pushed back aggressively against the UK's demands.

Israeli Foreign Minister Sa'ar rejected the UK statement, criticizing what he called a "patronizing tone" and reiterating that Israel will defend its rights and security interests.

While diplomatic quarters express concern that target-specific trade bans could inadvertently morph into a wider trade disruption with Israel, government insiders maintain that Burnham remains committed to penalizing unlawful settlement expansion under international law. A comprehensive package detailing the specific sanctions and economic restrictions is expected to be formally presented by the UK government in the coming weeks.