UK Official Cites Severe West Bank Violence in Sanctions Decision

A senior British official told Ynet that the decision to impose sanctions on West Bank settlements was driven by severe violence, stating, "The extremists have gone completely mad, the violence is severe." He noted that over 2,200 Palestinians have been displaced from their homes since January, a situation the British government felt it could not ignore.

The official emphasized that Britain felt compelled to act, adding that Israel had not informed them of any retaliatory measures. He warned against a cycle of retaliation, saying, "If there are steps, you enter into a blow for a blow, and that is not beneficial to anyone." Despite the sanctions, the official asserted that "Israel-UK relations are strong."