Israel's Finance Minister Calls for Expelling British Ambassador Over Expected Sanctions

The British government is reportedly planning to announce broad sanctions targeting settlements in the West Bank, according to a report in The New York Times. The anticipated measures include a ban on trade with settlements and potential sanctions against companies involved in construction beyond the Green Line. This move represents a significant escalation from previous British actions, which were limited to a small number of extremist activists and statements against Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir.

Israeli political circles are concerned that the British decision could prompt similar actions and sanctions from other European countries. The report has sparked outrage within Israel's political system. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich reacted sharply even before the official announcement, demanding the expulsion of the British ambassador "this evening."

"We will not be trampled by an antisemitic government, in a country conquered by radical Islam and trying to save itself from economic and social collapse by attacking Jews and the State of Israel," Smotrich stated. He added, referring to the British Mandate era, "The British Mandate in the Land of Israel ended."