Miliband’s Reset Button: A New Approach to an Old Conflict

Ed Miliband’s promise to “reset” Britain’s policy towards Israel has sparked a mix of optimism and skepticism among observers. The UK’s foreign secretary wants to prevent British companies from helping build settlements in the West Bank, but this may not be enough to stem the tide of Israeli expansion.

The E1 plan, which Miliband labeled “the crossing of a red line,” is a prime example of this problem. By building 3,400 new homes in the West Bank, Israel risks making a Palestinian state unviable – a prospect that has long been anathema to British policymakers.

Miliband’s vow to review Britain’s economic ties with the occupied territories is a welcome development. For too long, the UK has turned a blind eye to its companies’ involvement in settlement activities, citing the need for “economic cooperation” or “trade benefits.” However, these justifications are increasingly threadbare, given the scale and scope of Israeli expansion.

Miliband himself noted that Britain needs to look at the tools it has available to tackle this issue. This might include measures to prevent British companies from financing, constructing, or advertising new settlements – a step that would be long overdue.

The current crisis in Israel-Palestine is not new; nor are the calls for a two-state solution. However, this ideal has been slowly slipping away as Israeli settlement activities continue to erode Palestinian territory and undermine their economic viability.

Miliband’s commitment to preserving the two-state solution is admirable, but it requires more than just words. The UK needs to take concrete action to prevent further settlement expansion and support Palestinian statehood – not least because this would have significant benefits for regional stability and global security.

Some critics will argue that Miliband’s reset button is little more than a cosmetic change, designed to placate domestic opinion without actually altering the UK’s stance. They might point to previous promises from Labour politicians, which have been followed by inaction or watered-down measures.

However, there are signs that this time might be different – not least because of the growing pressure on governments to take a firmer line against Israeli settlement activities. The EU has already condemned E1 as “unacceptable,” and other countries may soon follow suit.

Miliband’s promise to set out a comprehensive package of measures in the coming weeks is welcome news, but it remains to be seen whether this will translate into real action. Will the UK government finally take concrete steps to prevent British companies from supporting settlement activities? Or will we see more empty words and half-measures?

The clock is ticking for Israel’s leaders, who are facing growing pressure to abandon their settlement plans. If they continue down this path, they risk isolating themselves further on the international stage – a prospect that should give even the most ardent supporters pause for thought.

In the end, Miliband’s reset button may prove to be little more than a symbolic gesture, but it marks an important turning point in the UK’s approach to Israel-Palestine. As he said himself: “it is high time” – and the world is watching with bated breath.