Britain is expected to announce new economic restrictions targeting Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, marking a significant toughening of British policy. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband will outline measures in Parliament, including a trade ban on goods produced in the settlements. The move comes under Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who succeeded Keir Starmer in July. Cabinet minister Pat McFadden stated the goal is to preserve the two-state solution, warning that settlement expansion threatens that possibility. He emphasized the restrictions target only settlements, not all Israeli goods.

The decision follows condemnation from former Israeli generals and officials who accused armed settlers of ethnic cleansing. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed criticism and accelerated settlement building. U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee warned of potential countermeasures impacting British businesses in states like Florida. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar vowed Israel "will act" against the sanctions. Critics suggest the move could boost Netanyahu ahead of elections next month.

Israel faces growing international isolation over the war in Gaza, where tens of thousands of Palestinians have died. A UN commission alleged genocide, which Israel rejects. Burnham previously apologized for the UK's initial response to Gaza, acknowledging potential war crimes. The sanctions coincide with rising settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.