UK Sanctions on Israel Expected Amid Intelligence Dispute

The British government is reportedly preparing to impose sanctions on Israel, with the announcement expected imminently. This potential move comes amid conflicting reports regarding intelligence shared with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prior to the October 7th Hamas attacks. A report in the Israeli newspaper "Haaretz" alleged that UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed warned Netanyahu of an impending major move by Hamas, but that the Prime Minister did not update the security establishment. However, a source close to the Prime Minister, who no longer works with him, told i24NEWS that the "Haaretz" report is "complete fake." The Prime Minister's office also issued a statement calling the report a "complete lie," asserting that Netanyahu did not speak with the UAE president during the period in question nor receive any warning.

Adding to the diplomatic tension, the U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Harkey, reportedly threatened unspecified "steps against Britain" in response to the anticipated sanctions, calling them "discrimination against the Israeli government and the Jewish people." Meanwhile, an Israeli official told i24NEWS that "if Britain announces sanctions against us, there will be an immediate response." In a related development, Argentinian President Javier Milei shared posts on social media criticizing the expected British sanctions, with one post by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir calling for the Falkland Islands to be recognized as occupied Argentinian territory, and another by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich calling for the British ambassador's expulsion from Israel.

In domestic Israeli news, the second day of submitting lists for the 26th Knesset elections began. The ultra-Orthodox party Shas announced its list, including new faces like retired Lieutenant Colonel Dror Amos. Prime Minister Netanyahu also announced the inclusion of reservist fighter Elisha Medan, who lost both legs and whose comrades were killed in Gaza, on the Likud party's list. Businessman Oren Dobronsky announced he is withdrawing from the Likud list to focus on developing Israel into an AI superpower.

Separately, the Saudi Ministry of Energy reported that several energy facilities and infrastructure in southern Saudi Arabia were attacked by Houthis. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused "Israel's lies and sabotage" of thwarting an agreement that would have allowed the region to "breathe a sigh of relief."