The British government is preparing to announce a new policy concerning trade with Israeli settlements located in the West Bank. According to reports, Foreign Secretary David Lammy is expected to formalize these restrictions on Tuesday. The policy is intended to align UK trade practices with international legal positions regarding the status of these settlements, which are considered illegal under international law by much of the global community, though Israel disputes this characterization.

The announcement is widely expected to trigger a strong negative reaction from Israeli officials, who have historically viewed such measures as discriminatory and a departure from the UK’s traditional diplomatic stance. Furthermore, the move is likely to create friction with the United States. While the U.S. has occasionally expressed concerns regarding settlement expansion, it has generally opposed unilateral trade bans or sanctions against Israeli entities, preferring to manage the issue through direct bilateral diplomacy.

While the specific details of the trade ban—such as which goods will be affected or the exact legal mechanism being employed—have not yet been fully disclosed, the policy represents a significant shift in the UK’s approach to the region. The move follows ongoing international pressure to address the expansion of settlements, which critics argue undermines the possibility of a two-state solution. Supporters of the measure argue it is a necessary step to uphold international law, while opponents argue it unfairly targets Israel and complicates regional peace efforts.