UK Rabbis Divided Over Sanctions on Israeli Settlements

Key facts

• The UK has imposed sanctions on trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
• The UK government considers Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories unlawful.
• The sanctions are part of a coordinated effort with France, Canada, and nine other countries.
• Prominent British rabbis are divided, with some supporting the sanctions and others opposing them.
• Israel responded by closing the British consulate in Jerusalem and banning British individuals.

Senior British rabbis have expressed divergent views on the United Kingdom's newly imposed sanctions targeting Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced the sanctions, which target trade with settlements in the West Bank, stating the government's position that Israel's occupation is unlawful. These measures were coordinated with France, Canada, and nine other countries.

The move has drawn sharp criticism from some prominent figures within the British Jewish community. Sir Ephraim Mirvis, the UK's chief rabbi, described the sanctions as a "dark day for British Jews" and warned they could embolden antisemitism. The Board of Deputies of British Jews and The Jewish Leadership Council also condemned the measures.

However, a number of senior rabbis, particularly from the progressive wing, have voiced support for the sanctions, emphasizing the need to address settler violence and expansion. Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg, who witnessed settler violence firsthand, called the situation a "Chillul HaShem" (a desecration of God's name) and stressed that "the time is for action." Rabbi Alexandra Wright stated the sanctions align with the UK's commitment to a two-state solution and that the "occupation and escalating violence are harming Palestinians and Israelis."

Rabbi Jeremy Gordon criticized arguments for inaction, stating that the settler movement relies on being "appeased or ignored." Rabbi Lev Taylor described the sanctions as a move in the "right direction," noting that some Israeli members of the Knesset have also blamed Israeli leadership for the sanctions.

Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy of Progressive Judaism acknowledged the sanctions could be a "clumsy tool" with unintended consequences but cautioned against conflating settlement measures with attacks on Jews. They urged those against sanctions to offer more than condemnation, stating "inaction is not neutral."

In response to the sanctions, Israel ordered the closure of the British consulate in Jerusalem and banned 12 British MPs and activists from entering the country. Miliband acknowledged the consulate closure would be "damaging" but stated the government had weighed the costs and benefits.