UK Warns Sanctions on Israel Could Trigger US Trade Retaliation Under Trump

British lawmakers from the Labour Party have warned Prime Minister Andy Burnham that planned sanctions against Israel over its construction plans in the E1 area near Jerusalem could provoke a strong response from the United States. According to The Times, there are concerns in London that trade restrictions targeting Israel might lead to retaliatory measures from the White House and potentially ignite a trade war between the UK and the US.

The warning follows recent US criticism of similar legislation in Ireland, where Washington expressed concerns about unintended consequences for hundreds of businesses and called the move unhelpful. Additionally, tensions between the US and Spain have heightened after Spain banned imports from Judea and Samaria last year, prompting then-President Donald Trump to threaten a full trade embargo on Spain amid broader disputes over US military base access.

Burnham is preparing to announce significant sanctions against Israel in response to its plan to build 1,200 housing units in the E1 area. At least 140 Labour MPs support the sanctions and are pushing for measures more extensive than those enacted by any other European country. They advocate expanding the trade ban beyond goods linked to Judea and Samaria to include other sectors.

The situation underscores the delicate balance the UK faces in addressing Israeli settlement expansion while managing its diplomatic and trade relations with the US under the Trump administration.