𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

Israel is still an important ally, a minister has insisted as the UK is expected to toughen its stance with sanctions on settlements in the West Bank.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden told Times Radio that Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband would set out details in a statement to Parliament later today.

“At the heart of the statement is the idea that the UK, along with many other countries, do not want to see the possibility of a two-state solution in Israel and Palestine being erased by changes to the facts on the ground, and the reason that danger has become more urgent is because of expanded settlement activity in recent weeks and months.”

Plans in the so-called E1 area could see the “effective cutting off of the north of the West Bank from the south of the West Bank”, he said.

Asked why Andy Burnham had not spoken to Israel’s prime minister about the move, he said: “I’m sure he will speak to the prime minister of Israel.

“But Israel is an important security ally, and in the context of what we’re saying today, I think it’s also important to distinguish between action which is announced in response to policies of this Israeli government at this time, and the people of Israel and the links between Israel and the UK, which are important and valuable and will continue to be so.”