UK resets relations with Israel over Palestine
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband pledged a 'comprehensive reset' of UK policy on Israel, including measures against illegal settlements. The move signals a tougher UK stance, likely straining ties with.
Background
The UK's decision follows escalating tensions over Israeli actions in Gaza and the West Bank, and a previous UK recognition of Palestinian statehood in 2025. Miliband, appointed under new PM Andy Burnham, announced plans to prevent British involvement in settlement projects and consider trade restrictions, as part of a broader policy shift.
How it unfolded
- Sep 1, 2026Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband pledges a 'comprehensive reset' of UK policy on Israel, including measures against illegal settlement expansion.
- Sep 2, 2026Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar warns Israel will retaliate if the UK imposes sanctions.
- Sep 3, 2026Miliband tells parliament the UK is looking at its economic relationship with occupied territories to stop British financing of settlements.
- Sep 7, 2026Reports indicate the UK is set to announce a ban on trade with Israeli settlements, with Miliband expected to reassert support for Palestinian rights.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband says a 'comprehensive reset' is needed because it is 'high time' to act on settlements.
- Official
- Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar warns that Israel will respond to any UK sanctions with retaliation.
- Analysts
- Analysts note that while the UK's move on settlements is in the right direction, it is the 'bare minimum' given the context of the Gaza genocide.
- Public
- Oil Change International calls on the UK to act as part of its promised reset, holding oil trading companies accountable for complicity in genocide.
Still unverified
The exact details of the trade ban and sanctions are not yet officially confirmed, as reports are based on leaks and parliamentary statements.