Burnham exploring tougher UK measures against Israeli settlements

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has indicated that his government is considering implementing more stringent measures against Israeli settlers in the West Bank, in response to ongoing attacks against Palestinians in the occupied territory. Burnham stated that potential measures are being examined and will be announced at a later date.

The UK had previously introduced new trade guidance for Israeli settlements in June, but this did not extend to a complete prohibition on the import of goods linked to these settlements. The International Court of Justice found Israel's expanding settlements in the West Bank to be in violation of international law in June 2024.

Burnham's remarks follow continued settler attacks on Saturday, which resulted in the torching of crops and injuries to several Palestinians in villages near Hebron and Jenin, according to the Palestinian news agency Wafa.

Rights organizations, including the Council of Arab-British Understanding (CAABU) and the Britain Palestine Project (BPP), have presented a five-point plan urging Burnham, who is expected to become Prime Minister on July 20, to adopt a firmer position on Israel's policies. The proposals include a ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements, making it a criminal offense for British nationals to buy property there, and enforcing international law more rigorously. They also suggest suspending arms exports and military cooperation with Israel, and freezing the UK-Israel Trade Partnership over alleged human rights clause breaches.

Legal expert Victor Kattan suggested that Britain could take further action by sanctioning not only settlers but also the governments and institutions that support their activities. Former Conservative attorney general Dominic Grieve noted a potential shift in governmental attitudes towards taking more decisive action, though he cautioned that geopolitical considerations and the UK's relationship with the United States could complicate any significant policy changes.