Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband told MPs he will pursue a reset of Britain's policy toward Israel, including measures to stop UK companies helping build illegal settlements in the West Bank, the Guardian reported.
Key facts
- Ed Miliband promised to 'reset' Britain's policy on Israel.
- He was speaking to the Commons for the first time as foreign secretary.
- He said he would try to stop British companies helping build settlements in the West Bank.
- He referenced measures to prevent UK involvement in projects such as the E1 plan, which the Guardian describes as illegal.
- Critics say the E1 plan would split the West Bank in half.
Ed Miliband has promised to “reset” Britain’s policy on Israel, telling MPs he will try to stop British companies helping build settlements in the West Bank, according to the Guardian.
Speaking to the Commons for the first time as foreign secretary, Miliband said he would set out measures to prevent UK involvement in projects such as the E1 plan, which the Guardian describes as illegal, the outlet reported.
Critics say the E1 plan would split the West Bank in half. Miliband framed his stated aim as trying to stop illegal settlements carving up the territory, the Guardian reported.
The Guardian reported that Miliband indicated he would try to prevent British companies from being involved in building settlements in the West Bank, which he presented as a central element of the reset he outlined to MPs.
The source did not detail the specific measures Miliband intends to introduce or a timeline for them.
Why it matters
A change in UK policy toward Israel and West Bank settlements could affect diplomatic relations and the activities of British companies operating in the region.
Frequently asked questions
What did Ed Miliband promise regarding UK policy on Israel?
According to the Guardian, Miliband promised to 'reset' Britain's policy on Israel and said he would try to stop British companies helping build settlements in the West Bank.
What is the E1 plan Miliband referred to?
The Guardian describes the E1 plan as an illegal project that critics say would split the West Bank in half. Miliband said he would set out measures to prevent UK involvement in such projects.
Why was this statement significant for Miliband?
He made the comments while speaking to the Commons for the first time as foreign secretary, marking an early statement of intent in his new role.