Miliband’s sanctions announcement marks sharper break on Israel policy
Ed Miliband’s condemnation of Israeli settlers and announcement of trade sanctions have prompted both anger and support, according to a Guardian account.
UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has announced trade sanctions on Israeli settlers and condemned what he called “settler terrorists”, saying they were ethnically cleansing the West Bank.
The announcement, examined in a Guardian Politics podcast, is described as a departure from decades of UK government policy on relations with Israel. The source does not specify the sanctions’ measures, targets, implementation date or legal basis.
The podcast presents Miliband’s recent position as part of a broader political development over the past decade. Guardian economics editor Heather Stewart tells Nosheen Iqbal that he has moved from an “awkward, policy geek” with big ideas towards a more serious strategist.
Miliband became Labour leader ahead of his older brother, David, more than a decade ago, before losing the 2015 general election. He later became associated with an internet meme centred on a bacon sandwich.
Supporters cited in the podcast suggest the tougher stance could be the beginning of further action. That possibility has not been confirmed as government policy.
