Israel Warns of Retaliation Over Potential UK Ban on Settlement Trade

Israel is preparing for a potential British decision to ban trade with West Bank settlements and is considering retaliatory measures. The scope of the British move, expected in the coming weeks, has not yet been determined. Israeli officials view the potential action as partly driven by political considerations within the UK's Labour Party. A diplomatic source stated, "We have made it clear that any country that acts against us will have consequences. If England acts against us, it will not be part of the verification force in Lebanon."

This development follows an announcement by the British Foreign Secretary that the UK will declare "a series of response measures" in the coming weeks regarding the situation in Israeli settlements. The British newspaper The Times reported last week that the UK government is expected to adopt a stricter stance than its predecessor towards Israeli settlements in Judea and Samaria, potentially including sanctions on trade with them. This policy shift is reportedly linked to construction plans in the E1 project and is considered more severe than previous British government policy.

New British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who took office last month, has previously expressed his intention to increase pressure on the Israeli government and impose additional sanctions on individuals and entities in Israel. He also indicated he would consider a ban on trade with illegal settlements. Burnham stated, "We need to do more to put pressure on the Israeli government. Yes, we have taken important steps. But let's be honest, the United Kingdom has been too slow in calling for a ceasefire. We need to do more now to strengthen our approach."

Burnham refrained from definitively answering whether Israel committed genocide in Gaza, saying, "I am completely shocked by what I have seen and read about the destruction in Gaza. There is growing evidence of alleged war crimes." He added, "There must be accountability for the depth of suffering experienced by the residents of Gaza. But ultimately, international courts will determine [if it is genocide], not politicians."