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UK Expands Sanctions Powers Against West Bank Settlement Supporters, Targeting E1 Housing Bids
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UK expands global sanctions regime targeting supporters of West Bank settlements. New grounds allow asset freezes against entities enabling settlements, obstructing humanitarian aid, or detaining prisoners.
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UK sanctions expand
The United Kingdom brought new regulations into force on Thursday, expanding its sanctions powers in a move that could enable action against construction companies, developers, and financial institutions supporting settlement expansion in the West Bank. The regulations took effect four days before the deadline for submitting bids for construction in the E1 area between Jerusalem and Ma'aleh Adumim, with the deadline for bids for 1,234 housing units scheduled for October 19.
Ed Miliband told parliament, "You will face the full force of UK sanctions," and he added that the advertisement of illegal settlements will also be banned in the UK. The Israeli government closed the UK consulate last week in protest, forcing the it to withdraw 21 diplomats and downgrade the consulate to the status of a mission, but the UK government said the punishment did not deter it.
E1 tender timeline
The Guardian said the foreign secretary, Ed Miliband, was pushing through the measures at speed because the Israeli government has vowed to press ahead with an E1 settlement containing 1,234 homes in the West Bank. The Guardian reported that the E1 bids close on 19 October but the Israel Land Authority confirmed that the tender box will not be opened, nor the bids considered, before 19 November, which is after the Israeli election on 27 October.
The British Palestinian Project said the Israeli deferral "does not remove the need to deter commitments being made now, since bidders and their backers commit on 19 October, contracts could still be signed before a new Israeli government is formed". The Jerusalem Post said the timing of the new regulations was significant as Israel advances construction plans in the E1 area, and it said the tender is expected to close in the coming days despite the postponement of the committee's review.
Sanctions ripple outward
The Jewish People Policy Institute launched a database mapping sanctions and restrictive measures imposed on Israel by countries around the world, identifying 121 measures across 62 countries, including 93 currently in effect.
JPPI Director General Dr. Shuki Friedman said, "Sanctions have a ripple effect," and he warned that the real danger is the transition from targeted sanctions to damage to the systems on which Israel's economy and security depend.
The Foreign Ministry said the figures presented in the report do not accurately reflect the sanctions situation, and diplomatic officials added, "Ultimately, there are no substantial sanctions against the State of Israel."
The Jerusalem Post said the new UK regulations allow sanctions against individuals and entities directly involved in activities classified as serious violations of international law, as well as those financing, facilitating, or promoting such activities, subject to specified legal conditions.