UK’s Expanded Sanctions Powers Take Effect After Pledge to Deter Settlement Expansion

Britain’s expanded global human-rights sanctions rules took effect on October 15, adding serious violations of international humanitarian law and obstruction of humanitarian assistance as grounds for designations. Ministers can impose asset freezes and travel restrictions, and designate people by name or description. In a September 8 statement, Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband linked the planned extension to deterring settlement expansion, including E1 near Jerusalem. The regulations do not themselves announce new Israeli designations or a blanket ban on settlement-goods imports. Miliband also said in that statement that UK-Israel security cooperation would continue and affirmed Israel’s right to defend itself.