Australia was a notable omission from a cast of countries led by the UK that declared a trade ban on Israeli goods from illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank that new Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said marked as a “new approach” to the Netanyahu government.
Describing himself as a “proud Jew,” Mr Miliband, who led the party to electoral defeat in 2015 and hails from Labour’s soft-left, said it was correct to say that under Keir Starmer, the party had not “done enough in the face of what is happening”.
He said Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, which is separate to Gaza, were illegal, constituted “ethnic cleansing” and described the situation as a “moral emergency”.
“Today I announce that the official view of the British Government is that the occupation is unlawful, because of Israel’s entrenchment of its control, its intention to extend permanent sovereignty, and its expansionist agenda via illegal settlements,” he told the House of Commons.
“Our position is not just an overdue statement of reality.”
The Labour Government’s position is substantial shift from that taken by Sir Keir Starmer.
During his transition to Labour leader, Andy Burnham apologised for the party’s stance on Gaza, which was a seat-losing issue in many constituencies and remains a threat in electorates held by Cabinet Ministers.
“The link between the Muslim community and the Labour Party had got seriously fractured by Keir Starmer’s stance on Gaza, now it’s very clear that under Burnham they’re trying to repair that,” Britain’s top political analyst, Professor John Curtice said, in an interview with the Latika Takes podcast.
Mr Miliband said sanctions would apply to anyone or any company that aided illegal settlements.
As we implement the policy measures I have announced today, we will continue to assess the Government of Israel by its actions. We want to see a new approach — in both Gaza and the West Bank.
“All too often the Israeli Government has turned a blind eye to this and worse, members of it have made statements and taken actions to support the forced displacement of Palestinians.”
He said that Britain was not powerless to respond to the Israeli Government which is led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
He said the UK was acting in tandem with a broad coalition of countries and said France and Canada were backing the UK sanctions and import ban.
In a joint statement, the Prime Ministers of the UK and Canada Andy Burnham and Mark Carney and French President Emmanuel Macron said it was a turning point in he protection for a two-state solution and said they would be co-chairing a meeting at the United Nations General Assembly later this month.
“One year ago, we recognised the State of Palestine. The time has come to take further action to uphold our commitment to protect the two-state solution, our interests and to stand up for our values, before it is too late,” the trio of leaders said.
“In taking this coordinated action we reiterate our desire for a close and productive partnership with Israel, our enduring support for the Israeli people and our unwavering commitment to Israel’s security. We support a safe and secure Israel, living alongside a safe and secure Palestine.”
A total of 11 Western countries including Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Portugal Norway, Poland, Spain and Sweden issued a joint letter pledging to introduce similar moves.
But Australia was absent on the list, marking a departure from the Albanese Government’s tactic of aligning with France, the UK and Canada especially in announcing sanctions on far-right Israeli ministers and last year recognising Palestine.
Speaking to the Senate ahead of the UK’s move, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said she was pursuing “further targeted measures in coordination with illegal partners to deter illegal settlements and settler violence”.
“Australia is not, at this time, pursuing a blanket-style import ban. We have concerns about the implementation of a blanket ban and unintended consequences for Australian businesses, for Palestinians, and for Israelis, and we will continue to work with partners to protect the prospects of a two-state solution.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese offered few details about what his Government was pursuing, when asked at a press conference in Canberra.
“Look, our position on the Middle East, I’ve made clear on a number of occasions. We support a two state solution in the Middle East. We think that is important for both Israelis and Palestinians to be able to live in peace and security,” he said.
Mr Albanese recognised Palestine on Australia’s behalf at last year’s UNGA. He will attend this year’s meeting in New York for only the second time during his prime ministership.
Israel’s Foreign Secretary Gideon Sa’ar condemned the UK action and said the UK was fuelling anti-Semitism.
“The British move is morally distorted, and constitutes blatant interference in the affairs of a sovereign state and its electoral process,” he said.
He dismissed the charge of ethnic cleansing as “outrageous lies”.
He did not take any questions at his press conference and announced that Israel would close the British consulate in eastern Jerusalem and that the UK would be blocked from the US-led mission for Gaza.
While the British press reported fears of the move causing a rift with the Trump Administration, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio downplayed suggestions the White House could retaliate against the UK.
“The President has not commented on this, as I said neither have I at this point, we were made aware that they were going to make this decision, we heard their arguments as to why but look we share the stability,” he said in Florida.
“As of this moment, we don’t have any further comment on the UK decision.”
Whilst the US remains a staunch ally of Israel, the Netanyahu Government’s increasing isolation in the international community comes ahead of crucial elections in October.
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