Israel Warns UK Against Sanctions Over Settlement Construction

Israeli Foreign Minister G Gideon Saar issued a stern warning to London on Tuesday, September 1, stating that Jerusalem would retaliate if the United Kingdom imposes new sanctions over construction in the E1 area. Saar asserted that Israel possesses the necessary tools and is already formulating a potential response. "If Great Britain acts against the State of Israel, the State of Israel will act against Great Britain," Saar declared in an interview with the Ynet podcast "120 and One," the full episode of which is scheduled for release on Thursday, September 3.

The foreign minister accused the British government of systematic actions against Israel, recalling previous instances of restricted defense exports and sanctions against Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. Saar suggested that these British decisions are driven by domestic politics, including the upcoming Labour Party conference at the end of the month. While he did not specify the exact nature of Israel's potential countermeasures, when asked if diplomatic tools were involved, he stated he had said enough, emphasizing, "We are preparing. If they make a mistake, there will be a reaction."

Earlier on Tuesday, Reuters reported that British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband had announced a "comprehensive package of measures" related to Israeli settlements on the West Bank, intended for release in the coming weeks. The diplomatic dispute between the two nations has intensified over the past few weeks, sparked by an Israeli tender for the construction of 1,200 housing units in the E1 area.

Miliband described the construction plan as unacceptable and destructive, indicating that sanctions would target those involved in settlement expansion. The E1 area, approximately 12 square kilometers east of Jerusalem, is considered a red line by the UK and the European Union. Construction there is seen as a move that could sever territorial contiguity between Palestinian areas, hindering communication between Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Hebron, and significantly complicating the realization of a two-state solution. European powers have condemned Israel's construction plans near Jerusalem and threatened consequences. Miliband stated the project could "separate the West Bank from East Jerusalem and jeopardize the creation of a Palestinian state" and revealed he had previously demanded Saar immediately halt the advancement of these construction plans.