Israel Responds to UK Sanctions with Countermeasures

Israeli Foreign Minister G Gideon Saar announced a series of retaliatory measures against the United Kingdom on Tuesday, in response to what he termed "outrageous and false accusations" and "hostile moves" by the British Labour government. The actions, approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, are a direct reaction to recent British sanctions targeting Israeli settlements and arms exports, as well as statements made in the British Parliament.

Saar vehemently criticized the British government's stance, stating, "We have no quarrel with the British people. We know we have many friends in Britain. Unfortunately, there is a hostile Labour government that systematically acts against the State of Israel, and it has left us no choice but to respond to its hostile actions." He specifically condemned the sanctions on settlements and arms, calling them "despicable" and a form of "BDS" only applied against the Jewish state, while also noting a contradiction with Britain's stated support for Israel's self-defense.

The Foreign Minister asserted that the timing of the British announcement, just before the Jewish New Year and ahead of the Labour Party conference, was politically motivated for internal British reasons. He described the British move as "morally distorted" and a "blatant interference" in Israel's sovereign affairs and election system, drawing parallels to historical anti-Jewish measures like the "White Paper."

Saar also addressed claims about construction in the E1 area, stating no new decisions were made beyond those from over a year ago. He dismissed accusations of harming Palestinian territorial contiguity as "ridiculous," particularly from those who define the West Bank and Gaza as a single territorial unit. He further argued that the British government's actions, including recognition of a Palestinian state and renewed funding for UNRWA, have contributed to a rise in antisemitic attacks in Britain.

In response, Israel has closed the British consulate in Jerusalem, expelled British representatives from an international aid center in Kiryat Gat, halted training for Palestinian Authority forces in the West Bank, and banned entry for 12 British public figures and citizens involved in anti-Israel activities. Saar warned that Israel would take similar reciprocal actions against any country that acts against its national interests, emphasizing that such moves would harm not only Israel but also the perpetrators and even Palestinian workers in settlements.

Saar concluded by stating that while Britain initiated this move, Israel's response is a clear message to all governments that hostile actions will be met with retaliation, potentially diminishing their influence in the region.