Israel Warns UK of Retaliation Over Potential Sanctions

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar has issued a stern warning to the United Kingdom, stating that Israel will retaliate if the British government imposes new sanctions in response to Israeli construction plans in the E1 area, located between Jerusalem and Ma'ale Adumim. "If the United Kingdom acts against Israel, Israel will act against the United Kingdom," Sa'ar declared in an interview with Ynet.

Sa'ar accused the British government of consistently acting against Israel, citing previous impacts on defense exports and sanctions against ministers. He suggested that domestic political considerations, particularly concerning the upcoming Labour Party conference, might be influencing the UK's stance. While not detailing the specific nature of a potential Israeli response, Sa'ar confirmed that Israel is preparing for such an eventuality, stating, "If they make a mistake, there will be a response."

The exchange follows British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband's characterization of the E1 construction plans as crossing a "red line" that could impede the creation of a viable Palestinian state. The UK is expected to announce a package of measures in the coming weeks.

The tensions escalated after Israel issued tenders for seven residential projects totaling 1,234 housing units in E1, part of a larger plan for approximately 3,400 homes approved in August 2025. Sa'ar rejected the British criticism, accusing the UK of hypocrisy and pointing to its own historical territorial control. He also clarified that the E1 project was approved in 2025 and the tender process has been ongoing for months, disputing the notion of a recent policy shift.

Separately, the Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom, Ephraim Mirvis, has urged the UK government to reconsider potential sanctions and trade restrictions on West Bank communities, warning that such measures could harm peace prospects and negatively affect British Jews.