Portugal, Canada, Australia to Join UK Ban on Settlement Trade

Three additional countries, Portugal, Canada, and Australia, are expected to support the United Kingdom's initiative to ban trade with Israeli settlements, according to a European diplomat speaking to Al-Arabiya. These nations reportedly intend to join the UK's measures aimed at restricting commercial ties with settlements.

The British government is reportedly planning to announce a ban on importing goods produced in Israeli settlements and is considering sanctions against companies involved in construction in these areas. Israeli President Isaac Herzog has strongly criticized these potential measures, calling them a "grave mistake" and stating that the UK would be "choosing the wrong side of history." He urged other governments to reject boycotts and sanctions, arguing they constitute direct interference in a sovereign state's internal democratic processes.

President Herzog made these remarks during an event marking 30 years of Israel's participation in the European research program Horizon Europe. He also asserted that such trade restrictions would not benefit anyone and could harm the Palestinian population by leading to job losses and reduced joint business ventures. Furthermore, he believes these measures could undermine the security interests of free nations, emphasizing that constructive dialogue remains the most effective path to resolving disputes.

Meanwhile, U.S. media reports suggest London is considering a broader range of restrictions. This could include not only a trade ban on products from Judea, Samaria, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights but also personal sanctions against individuals and construction firms. Israeli Foreign Minister G Gideon Saar had previously warned that Israel would consider retaliatory measures if the UK imposes sanctions.