UK moves to sanction Israeli settlements as PM Burnham risks clash with Trump: report

UK Announces Sanctions Targeting Israeli Settlements as Prime Minister Burnham Braces for Washington Clash

New UK Strategy Targets Israeli Settlement Trade Amid Rising Friction with Trump

British Ambassador Sir Christian Turner engaged in a dialogue with Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband regarding the appointment of new Prime Minister Andy Burnham and his policy directions.

The new administration, under Premier Burnham—who has adopted a more assertive stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict—focuses on economic revitalization and the bolstering of domestic industry to create jobs and strengthen national sovereignty. Burnham emphasizes the urgent need for security in the Middle East, reiterating support for a Two-State Solution that envisions an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.

The bilateral discussion also highlighted broader geopolitical priorities, including the prevention of Iranian nuclear advancement and the maintenance of open maritime straits.

Recent reports indicate that the United Kingdom is expected to impose restrictions on trade involving Israeli settlements in the West Bank, a move already drawing strong pushback Monday from U.S. and Israeli officials. A U.S. State Department source noted that Washington is tracking the plans closely, and the UK aims to implement an embargo covering goods and particular services linked to the settlements. Such measures mark a noticeable escalation in London’s pressure on Israel under the new leadership.

The announcement is anticipated to occur shortly after Burnham spoke by phone with former President Donald Trump last week, intensifying the potential for immediate friction between the two offices.

Following this development, the attention shifts to reactions from Israel and the wider international community. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich publicly criticized the UK delegation, calling for the ambassador’s expulsion and asserting that Britain will stop being a “doormat” for an “antisemitic government” in a volatile region.
“I will not be a doormat for an antisemitic government in a country occupied by radical Islam that is attempting to escape economic and social collapse by attacking Jews and the State of Israel,” Smotrich stated online. “The British Mandate in Israel is over.”

While these developments unfold domestically, Burnham has echoed sentiments shared by peers from Canada, France, Germany, and Italy, condemning the expansion of Israeli settlements through the controversial E1 project east of Jerusalem. The measure is described as a critical barrier to the feasibility of establishing a viable future Palestinian state.

I’M AN ARAB MUSLIM — I STILL DON’T UNDERSTAND THE ANTISEMITIC BDS MOVEMENT

Britain’s newly appointed Prime Minister Andy Burnham delivers a speech outside 10 Downing Street after taking office, in London, Britain, July 20, 2026. (REUTERS/Temilade Adelaja)

According to a No. 10 Downing Street readout of the recent call, the leaders discussed the Middle East, with Burnham highlighting the significance of pursuing a two‑state solution allowing an independent Palestinian entity composed of the West Bank and Gaza Strip to coexist with Israel.

“On the Middle East, the Prime Minister outlined the UK’s commitment to fostering peace and security in the region, placing the Two-State Solution at the forefront,” a spokesperson confirmed.

The detailed transcript did not reference the upcoming sanctions bill, yet Bloomberg reported that the timing of the call suggested Burnham provided Trump with briefings on the measures targeting goods and services tied to West Bank settlements.

This approach exposes a lingering risk of diplomatic tension between Burnham and Washington, where the Trump administration has historically remained staunchly supportive of Israeli actions.

EX-PENTAGON OFFICIAL URGES US TO ‘SQUEEZE’ UK ON DEFENSE AMID FALKLANDS FUROR

Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir arrived for a cabinet meeting at the prime minister’s office in Jerusalem on Aug. 27, 2023. (MENAHEM KAHANA/Pool via REUTERS)

Minister Ben-Gvir has also voiced severe opposition to the new restrictions. On X, he urged Egyptian Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to respond to the measures by recognizing Argentine sovereignty over the Falkland Islands and imposing further sanctions on Britain.

Internationally, political fallout continues. In the United States, Representative Randy Fine issued a warning that the planned sanctions could trigger legal complications involving Florida’s anti-boycott statutes, potentially hindering British businesses operating in state or local jurisdictions.

Amidst this climate, Burnham has coordinated with counterparts from multiple G7 nations to denounce Israel’s E1 settlement expansion, characterizing the project as a existential threat to the future of a Palestinian state.

Emma Bussey is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital. Previously, she contributed to The Telegraph’s U.S. overnight coverage, working across departments including foreign affairs, politics, and world news.

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