Senior UK rabbis come out in support of sanctions on Israeli settlements

Summary

Britain will implement a trade ban on products originating from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. This move is framed as an increased UK support for a two-state solution, with Foreign Minister Ed Miliband expected to provide further details. Senior UK rabbis have publicly backed the sanctions, emphasizing the diversity of views within the Jewish community and urging an end to inaction on settler violence.

Why it's important

The UK's decision represents a significant policy shift and a step up in its support for a two-state solution. The intervention by senior rabbis highlights internal discussions and concerns within the British Jewish community regarding settler violence. The move is expected to face strong opposition from the U.S. and has already elicited an angry reaction from Israel's Finance Minister.

Key Points

Trade ban on Israeli settlement goods
Support for a two-state solution
Senior UK rabbis back sanctions
Warning against settler violence

Key Narratives

Based on positions and claims visible in the cited sources. Missing viewpoints are not inferred as full national or institutional perspectives.

Britain

Will implement a trade ban on goods from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank as a step up in support for a two-state solution.

Israeli settlements

Goods produced in these settlements will be subject to a trade ban by Britain.

UK rabbis

Came out in support of sanctions on Israeli settlements, stressing diversity of views and warning against inaction on settler violence.

Bezalel Smotrich

Called for the expulsion of the UK ambassador in response to the trade ban.

Involved Entities

Britain, Israeli settlements, Ed Miliband, UK rabbis, Bezalel Smotrich

Sources (3)

Senior UK rabbis come out in support of sanctions on Israeli settlements