UK PM Burnham to Impose Sanctions on Israeli Settlements, Risking Trump Friction

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Andy Burnham's administration in the UK is set to reveal a new sanctions framework aimed at Israeli settlements in the West Bank. This initiative, to be presented by Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, reflects the Labour Party's commitment to a more assertive stance on this significant issue, though it may provoke a reaction from US President Donald Trump. The sanctions will specifically target Jewish settlements, implementing restrictions on the trade of goods and services with these areas. On Monday, Burnham and Trump had a phone conversation, during which they discussed a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, indicating Burnham may have informed Trump about the upcoming sanctions. Bloomberg had previously reported on the UK's preparation of this sanctions package last month, as the government sought to increase pressure on Israel regarding its home-building plans in a crucial West Bank region. Neither Downing Street nor the Foreign Office provided comments, and the White House has yet to respond. This announcement occurs amid rising tensions over the expansion of Israeli settlements, including a new illegal outpost near the Palestinian village of Osrin, southeast of Nablus.