Relations between Britain and Israel have deteriorated sharply after foreign secretary Ed Miliband announced a ban on imports from Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The UK government says settlement expansion and violence against Palestinians threaten prospects for a two-state solution, with France and Canada supporting further sanctions. Israel responded by closing the British consulate in Jerusalem, ending British involvement in training Palestinian forces, and barring twelve British political figures from entering Israel. Israeli foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar accused the Government of hostility while stressing that the measures were not directed against British citizens. Several Christian organisations, including Christian Aid and Methodist leaders, have welcomed the measures, arguing that action is needed to protect Palestinians and advance peace. However, chief rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis strongly warned that they could prove counterproductive, damage UK-Israel relations, and contribute to growing hostility towards British Jews. The dispute highlights deep divisions over how Britain should respond to the conflict while supporting security, justice and lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians.