US Ambassador Accuses UK of Anti-Israel Bias Over Sanctions

U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Harkavy, has strongly criticized Britain's anticipated sanctions against Israel and Jewish settlements in the West Bank, labeling the move as discriminatory against the Israeli government and the Jewish people. Speaking on BBC Radio 4 on Tuesday, Harkavy stated he felt the impending sanctions represented "discrimination against the Israeli government" and "discrimination against the Jewish people." He expressed confusion over the rationale behind the sanctions, likening the situation to "throwing a stone without knowing where it will land." While acknowledging Britain's sovereign right to act, Harkavy hinted at potential reciprocal measures from the United States.

This criticism follows Harkavy's recent visits to Palestinian villages and meetings with residents, where he addressed violence and hate crimes perpetrated by individuals in the West Bank, referring to the perpetrators as terrorists. He emphasized that such acts significantly damage Israel's standing in the United States. In a previous interview with "This Morning," Harkavy noted that these violent acts "harm Israel's image as a nation and a people," stressing Israel's need for allies.

Earlier on Tuesday, Harkavy told Newsmax that while Palestinian attacks on Israelis outnumber Israeli attacks on Palestinians, "every act of terrorism or crime is one too many." These statements come as the British government prepares to announce new punitive measures targeting Israel and its settlements. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich had previously called for the expulsion of the British ambassador if sanctions on settlement trade were imposed, accusing the UK government of an anti-Israel stance.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham had previously indicated his intention to increase pressure on the Israeli government, impose additional sanctions, and consider banning trade with settlements deemed illegal by the UK. Burnham stated the UK "needs to do more" to pressure the Israeli government, suggesting Britain has been slow to call for a ceasefire and needs to strengthen its approach toward Israel.