The British government is preparing to impose sanctions on goods produced in Israeli settlements in the West Bank. UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband told Parliament on Tuesday that Britain will ban imports of goods from these settlements, which the international community considers to be Palestinian territory. The measures are expected to take effect within 6-9 months. He also declared that the occupation of the West Bank is illegal and that economic relations will be adjusted to align with this stance. This includes taking action against companies and individuals involved in construction, infrastructure, or financing for the expansion of settler properties, banning advertising related to settlements, and extending the arms export ban that supports the occupation. After Britain announced the measures, the Israeli government retaliated by closing the British consulate in Jerusalem and banning 12 British politicians from entering the country. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US will not follow Britain's lead, and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee warned that such measures could have a massive impact on British businesses, with British companies potentially being barred from doing business in several US states. Additionally, US Congressman Randy Fine warned that British companies would face repercussions in Florida under the Prohibition Against Contracting with Scrutinized Companies law, which was applied to Airbnb in 2019.
Airbnb IncUS law cited as precedent for potential restrictions on British companies, but Airbnb is only mentioned as an example of past application, not directly affected.
