Andy Burnham is reportedly close to announcing sanctions on Israel, including a ban on imports of goods produced in Jewish settlements in the West Bank, despite warnings from critics that the move could damage Britain's security relationship with a key Middle Eastern ally. The Prime Minister is believed to have briefed Donald Trump on the plans in advance to head off a potential backlash from Washington, with the package possibly being unveiled as soon as Tuesday. The decision comes amid mounting pressure on Labour from activists and voters who have defected to the Greens and pro-Gaza independent candidates, and follows Israel's announcement of tenders for 1,200 homes east of Jerusalem, which ministers say would split the West Bank and threaten the viability of a Palestinian state.

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has described the settlement plan as "crossing a red line" and illegal under international law, while saying he wants a "comprehensive reset" of relations with Israel. However, the proposed sanctions have drawn sharp criticism: Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar warned of retaliation, Conservative shadow foreign secretary Tom Tugendhat cautioned it could jeopardise intelligence-sharing that protects British lives, and Reform UK's Richard Tice called it "student politics". Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and Sir William Shawcross of the UK Israel Alliance also warned the move could fuel antisemitism and harm Britain's national interests, while Downing Street noted Burnham has not spoken directly to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu since taking office in July.