Israel Threatens Retaliation if UK Imposes Sanctions

Israeli Foreign Minister Gidon Saar has warned that Israel will take action against the United Kingdom if Britain imposes sanctions on the Jewish state. Saar's remarks came in response to potential sanctions from London over Israel's advancement of construction plans in the E1 area, east of Jerusalem, which is seen as jeopardizing the possibility of a future Palestinian state. Saar stated in a podcast interview that Israel possesses "tools" to retaliate and that any British action would be a "big mistake."

The threat follows similar statements from British Foreign Secretary David Miliband, who reiterated the possibility of sanctions on trade with Israeli settlements. Miliband expressed deep concern over settlement activity, calling it destructive to the two-state solution and stating that the UK government is working with allies on measures to be announced in the coming weeks. He emphasized a desire to prevent British companies from funding, building, or advertising new settlements.

The E1 area, approximately 12 square kilometers, is a critical point for territorial contiguity between the northern and southern West Bank, and its development by Israel would sever Palestinian access between Ramallah and Bethlehem/Hebron, effectively undermining the two-state solution. This specific area is a red line for both the European Union and the UK.

Saar accused the British government of systematically acting against Israel, citing previous impacts on defense exports and sanctions on Israeli ministers. He suggested that internal British politics, particularly ahead of a Labour Party conference, might be influencing these decisions. Saar clarified that while diplomatic tools are an option, Israel is preparing a response should Britain proceed with sanctions, stating, "If they act, I think they will make a big mistake. It will work the opposite of how they might dream it will work. But if they act against us, we will act."

Reuters reported earlier that Miliband had informed Saar that Britain would present a comprehensive package of measures regarding Israeli settlements in the West Bank in the coming weeks. Miliband had previously called the tender for 1,200 housing units in E1 "unacceptable and destructive" and reiterated that response measures, including sanctions against those involved in settlement expansion, would be introduced soon. He stressed that settlement activity is a blatant violation of international law and directly harms the prospects for peace.