UK bans trade with West Bank settlements, prompting US boycott threats against British firms

Britain’s Labour government declared that imports from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank will be prohibited and that British companies may not offer services such as financing, construction, infrastructure, real estate or advertising to those areas. Ed Miliband framed the decision as a response to what he described as ethnic cleansing of Palestinians. US activists quickly reacted, creating a hotline for whistle-blowers and urging workers to flag firms that comply with the ban, warning that they could be targeted under American anti-BDS legislation.

Governors and legislators in Arkansas and Florida announced laws that would prevent any British firm adhering to the UK ban from receiving state contracts or permits. The National Jewish Advocacy Centre warned that many US states already bar companies that limit commercial ties with Israel. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar denounced the policy and threatened to expel UK representatives from joint monitoring centres and to bar UK officials from entry. The ban is expected to take effect within six to nine months and is supported by several European nations.