UK pledges major policy reset on Israel over West Bank settlement plan

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Britain’s Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced plans to revise the UK’s policy on Israel in response to rising violence and settler attacks in the occupied West Bank. This shift aims to address ongoing settlement expansion, including the contentious E1 housing project, which Miliband views as a major barrier to a viable two-state solution and could lead to restrictions on British economic ties to settlement activities.

Britain’s Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced plans to overhaul the United Kingdom’s policy toward Israel amid escalating tensions and violence in the occupied West Bank. Speaking in parliament on Tuesday, Miliband condemned what he described as “appalling settler terrorism” targeting Palestinian communities and signaled a forthcoming package of measures to address the situation.

Miliband’s statement comes amid a surge in attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank, a region under Israeli military occupation since 1967. The recent violence has drawn unusually strong international criticism, including rare condemnation from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the U.S. ambassador, in addition to longstanding concerns raised by European governments.

The UK foreign secretary emphasized the need for a “comprehensive reset” of British policy, warning that the current trajectory threatens the viability of the two-state solution. He referred specifically to the so-called E1 development plan, approved by Israeli authorities last year to establish over 1,200 new homes. Miliband characterized this project as a “crossing of a red line,” citing its position in the West Bank as a major obstacle to the establishment of a contiguous Palestinian state.

Miliband, appointed foreign secretary in mid-July by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, also alluded to reviewing the broader economic relationship between the UK and entities operating in the occupied territories. He indicated that British companies should not be involved in financing, constructing, or promoting settlement activities.

The West Bank is home to more than 500,000 Israeli settlers living among approximately three million Palestinians. Settlement construction is widely regarded by the international community as illegal under international law, although Israel disputes this characterization. The recent escalation in violence correlates with the aftermath of a war in Gaza, which has exacerbated tensions across the region.

Miliband highlighted the impact of recent attacks, noting that Palestinians have been forcibly displaced and subjected to violence by settlers — acts he described as terrorism. The UK government’s upcoming policy shift reflects growing frustration among Western diplomats over Israel’s continued settlement expansion and the consequences it has for peace prospects and regional stability.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.