Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar has warned of retaliation against the UK if London imposes sanctions over Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. The potential sanctions follow Israel's plan to expand settlements in the E1 area.
The escalating diplomatic tensions between the UK and Israel over West Bank settlements could lead to significant economic and diplomatic repercussions, potentially impacting international relations and the prospects for a two-state solution.
Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar has warned of retaliation against the United Kingdom if Prime Minister Andy Burnham proceeds with sanctions on goods produced in Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Sa'ar stated, 'If Britain acts against the State of Israel, the State of Israel will act against Britain.'
These comments followed UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband's pledge to introduce a 'comprehensive reset' of policy on Israel, including examining measures to stop UK companies from financing, constructing, or advertising new settlements in the occupied West Bank. Miliband described Israel's recent plans to construct approximately 1,200 homes in the E1 area, east of Jerusalem, as 'illegal under international law' and a 'red line' that risks making a Palestinian state unviable.
According to Israeli right-wing outlet Ma'ariv, Israel has already warned London that it would respond 'substantially' if the British government imposes sanctions on Israeli settlements. The report stated that the nature of any retaliation has yet to be decided, with Israeli officials considering diplomatic, economic, or other measures. One measure under consideration is expelling British officials from the US-led International Gaza Support Centre (IGSC), established to monitor the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. Last week, Israel expelled Dutch officials from the centre over the Netherlands' recent ban on goods from illegal Israeli settlements.
Ma'ariv also reported that the US administration is passing messages between the two governments and pressuring London not to impose sanctions. The newspaper also reported that Israel is weighing the risk that retaliation could damage long-term ties with British politicians who may return to power, as a future Conservative or Reform UK-backed government is expected to be more friendly towards Israel.
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