Inspired by UK sanctions on Israel, US Democrats want to work with Labour

Democrats say Britain’s sanctions on Israeli settlements have encouraged them to pursue similar measures in the United States, and they want to work with the Labour government on policy towards Israel. The issue has gained momentum after Democratic election gains, as some lawmakers argue that action against settlement expansion could help protect Palestinian rights and the prospect of a viable state.

Nineteen Democratic senators introduced a bill in September targeting people or companies involved in settlement construction under Israel’s E1 plan, which envisages thousands of homes between Jerusalem and Maale Adumim and could divide the West Bank. US lawmakers including Joaquin Castro, Ro Khanna and Greg Casar have backed sanctions or a trade ban, while Foreign Affairs Committee chair Emily Thornberry has urged cooperation. The article says informal discussions are under way between Democrats and the Burnham government.