Sanctions against Israel
Ed Miliband, born in 1969 to Polish Jewish immigrants and a Holocaust survivor on his mother's side, describes himself as a “Jewish atheist”.1 Despite this background, he appears not to register the gravity of the implications attached to his political choices. In moving to impose sanctions on Israel, Miliband has surpassed his previous misjudgments. His public standing has been weakened by controversies and decisions that have produced sustained criticism and a continuing disconnection from voters.
The UK, along with 11 other countries, intends to impose a ban on goods originating from Judea and Samaria (the West Bank). Miliband has faced significant pushback and has publicly rejected Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis’ warning that the policy could embolden individuals who weaponize hostility toward Jews.2 The warning coincides with Rosh Hashanah, during which police increased security around Jewish communities amid already heightened concerns about antisemitism. Israel has responded by closing the British consulate in East Jerusalem and restricting access for British politicians.
Area E1 is a 12‑square‑kilometre corridor between East Jerusalem and Ma’ale Adumim, designated by Israel for settlement expansion and administrative integration. Its development is widely regarded by international legal bodies as part of the broader settlement enterprise considered unlawful under the laws governing occupied territory. However, Israel rejects the premise that the West Bank is “occupied” and therefore disputes the applicability of the Fourth Geneva Convention. Under Israeli law, E1 lies within Area C—territory under full Israeli military and civilian control according to the Oslo Accords—and construction there is treated as legally permissible.
The Two-State Solution is the proposal to establish a separate Palestinian state in Israel. This proposal is seen as a possible resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and is supported by various countries and the Palestinian Authority. However, it has faced significant opposition from Israel and its biggest ally the US. A recent UN resolution endorsing the declaration received 142 votes in favor and 10 against, while 12 countries abstained.4 The Two-State solution is often contrasted with a one-state solution, which advocates for a single state in the region.
My response is one of profound concern and disappointment: Burnham and his ministers have aligned themselves with an agenda I regard as counterproductive, incoherent, and ultimately at odds with God’s purposes according to the scriptures.
The prophetic implications of supporting a two-state solution
God specifically bequeathed the land of Israel as an inheritance to His people Israel via His covenant with Abraham and his descendants as an "everlasting possession". (Genesis 12:7,15:18,17:7-8,28:13; Exodus 6:8). The boundaries of the land are detailed in Numbers 34:1-12. Bible prophecy speaks of Israel's full restoration. (Jeremiah 30:1-3; Ezekiel 36:24–28). Jeremiah refers to the literal regathering of Israel following the Babylonian captivity. (Ezra 1:1-4). This event foreshadows a final, complete restoration still anticipated. (Romans 11:26-29). Scripture repeatedly warns against unjust division of God’s land. Joel 3:1–3 foretells judgment on nations that divide His land and mistreat His people, while Ezekiel 36:5 condemns nations with jealous zeal against the nations who claim possession of Israel’s land. Furthermore, Numbers 35:33–34 warns against polluting the land through bloodshed – a consequence that any forced political solution risks incurring. Ultimately, God makes clear that the land belongs to Him. (Leviticus 25:23).On that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples. All who lift it will surely hurt themselves. And all the nations of the earth will gather against it. (Zechariah 12:3-4).
The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead. (Acts 17:30-31).



