Paul Adams: British-Israeli relations at lowest ebb in decades

Britain has taken a significant step in its policy towards Israel-Palestine by banning trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, a move that has sparked a fierce response from Israel. The ban, which includes restrictions on companies that provide construction, infrastructure or finance to settlements, is part of a broader shift in British policy towards aligning with the International Court of Justice's 2024 ruling that the occupation as a whole is unlawful. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced the move, stating that it reflects the government's commitment to upholding international law and condemning settlement expansion. The decision has been welcomed by human rights groups, but has also led to condemnation from Israeli officials, who claim the measure unfairly singles out Israeli settlements for special treatment. Despite products manufactured in settlements making up a small proportion of Israel's exports, the political symbolism of the ban is significant. Officials in London had anticipated a strong reaction from Israel, but were taken aback by the speed and ferocity of its response, which includes the closure of the UK's consulate in East Jerusalem and the removal of British representatives from the International Gaza Support Centre. The move has left British-Israeli relations at their lowest ebb for decades, with Miliband calling it a 'reset' in policy. Israel's furious response also highlights the deep-seated tensions between the two sides, with settlement expansion being a major point of contention.