UK bans trade with Israeli West Bank settlements, toughens stance on Israel

Contributing sentiments towards policy:

50% : The US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, also criticised the British move, calling it "discrimination against the Jewish people".
41% : Growing pressure over West Bank settlements The West Bank was seized by Israel in the 1967 Middle East war and is regarded by the international community as occupied territory.
40% : Prime Minister Andy Burnham has previously voiced concern over the E1 settlement project approved by Israel, which Palestinians and rights groups say could effectively divide the West Bank and further undermine prospects for a future Palestinian state.
38% : The tougher British position is likely to be welcomed by Labour lawmakers and supporters who have called for stronger action against Israel.
36% : Israel has continued to expand settlements there, while the international community overwhelmingly considers the settlements illegal and an obstacle to a two-state solution.
34% : He also accused Britain of interfering in Israel's democratic process ahead of its elections in October.
31% : The Netherlands, Ireland, Belgium, Spain and Norway have banned such goods or are in the process of doing so, according to Miliband. Israel condemns UK decision The Israeli government strongly criticised the move.
22% : Foreign Minister Gideon Saar warned before the announcement that "if Britain acts against Israel, Israel will act against Britain".

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