France and Canada join the United Kingdom in imposing trade sanctions against Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories

France and Canada are joining the United Kingdom in imposing new trade sanctions against Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. The measures, announced on Tuesday, ban trade in goods and certain services originating from these settlements and represent a major shift in British policy toward Israel.

British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband told the House of Commons that the sanctions will also target companies and individuals providing construction, infrastructure, financing, or real estate services for the expansion of the settlements. He said London will work with a broad international coalition.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed that France will halt trade with these settlements.

The measure comes after the condemnation of Israel’s plans to build 1,200 homes in the E1 area, east of Jerusalem.

Several European countries have announced similar measures, but their implementation could raise legal issues in the European Union, where trade policy is an exclusive competence of the bloc.

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