Israel Warns UK of Retaliation Over Potential Sanctions

Israeli Foreign Minister G Gideon Sa'ar has issued a stern warning to the United Kingdom, stating that Israel will retaliate if London imposes sanctions against it. The potential sanctions are reportedly being considered by the British government in response to Israel's advancement of construction plans in the E1 area, east of Jerusalem.

In an interview with the ynet podcast "120 and One," Sa'ar declared, "If Britain acts against the State of Israel, the State of Israel will act against Britain. There are tools. If they make a mistake, there will be a response. It will work the opposite of what they might dream."

The diplomatic confrontation escalates following an announcement by British Foreign Secretary David Cameron that the UK will present a comprehensive package of measures and targeted sanctions against those involved in expanding settlements in the coming weeks. This British move is a direct consequence of the promotion of construction tenders in the E1 area, a region of approximately 12 square kilometers.

From the perspective of Britain and the European Union, construction in E1 is seen as a move that would sever Palestinian territorial contiguity and undermine the possibility of a two-state solution. Sa'ar, however, suggested that the British government's actions are driven by domestic politics ahead of the Labour Party conference. He also recalled that Britain has previously harmed defense exports to Israel and imposed sanctions on ministers.

Sa'ar emphasized that London's threats would not achieve their intended purpose and reiterated that Israel possesses diplomatic tools to respond to any hostile action from the UK.