Israel warns of repercussions over potential UK sanctions
Israel has warned that it will respond in kind should the UK enforce sanctions over plans to enlarge illegal settlements in the West Bank, reports BritPanorama.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband stated on Tuesday that the UK intends to “reset” its policy on Israel within the coming weeks. This follows comments from a minister suggesting that goods from Israeli settlements in the West Bank, a Palestinian territory, could face potential sanctions.
Gideon Saar, Mr Miliband’s Israeli counterpart, indicated that his government would likely retaliate should British sanctions be imposed. He remarked, “If Britain acts against Israel, Israel will act against Britain.” Adding, “If they act, I think they will be making a big mistake,” Saar expressed his government’s concerns regarding the implications of such measures.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Andy Burnham has cautioned that Israel’s decisions regarding the controversial E1 settlement could “end” the prospect of a two-state solution with Palestine. Burnham voiced his concerns in the Commons about recent statements from Israel regarding the E1 settlement, suggesting that if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accelerates decisions ahead of the general election in October, it could “imperil or end” the two-state solution narrative.
Israel has issued tenders for the E1 settlement, which the UK Government has condemned as illegal under international law. The UK has criticized the E1 plans, arguing that they would effectively sever the West Bank from East Jerusalem.
Speaking in Parliament, Burnham noted, “We’ve seen the really quite worrying statement about the E1 extension and the settlements there, and the fast-track tender process, which I think will lead to decisions being made before the Israeli election.” He underlined the urgency of confronting these developments and indicated that the Government would provide updates soon.
Mr Miliband outlined that the Government is considering measures to prevent British companies from “financing, constructing or advertising new settlements” in the West Bank. He characterized this development as the “crossing of a red line” that threatens the viability of a Palestinian state.
He asserted, “This Government will not acquiesce in the destruction of the two-state solution. We will act, and I will set out a comprehensive set of measures in the coming weeks.” Miliband emphasized the necessity of a thorough reevaluation of UK policies concerning the region.
Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty further highlighted that the policy reset could encompass a ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank. He condemned settler violence and reiterated the need for stronger measures against illegal settlements, stating, “We’ve been very clear that British companies should not be financing, constructing or advertising new settlements.”
The unfolding events signify a critical juncture in UK-Israel relations as the country navigates its policy adjustments amidst escalating tensions in the region. The implications of UK sanctions remain to be fully realized, with potential ripple effects on the broader Middle East peace process.
