Israel Retaliates Against UK Sanctions, Closes Consulate, Expels British Nationals

Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced a series of retaliatory measures against the United Kingdom on Tuesday, following the UK's imposition of sanctions on Israeli settlements. The measures include the closure of the British consulate in Jerusalem, the expulsion of British representatives from a Gaza aid center in Kiryat Gat, the cessation of training for Palestinian Authority security forces by British specialists, and a ban on entry into Israel for 12 British parliament members and citizens.

Saar criticized the British government, calling statements by the UK Foreign Secretary "outrageous and false." He stated that while Israel has many friends in Britain, the "hostile Labour government" is systematically acting against Israel, leaving no choice but to respond. Saar suggested the timing of the British announcement, just before the Jewish New Year and the Labour Party conference, was politically motivated.

He condemned the British sanctions as an "interference in Israel's internal affairs" and likened them to the "White Paper" policies and an antisemitic statement by a British general who advocated punishing Jews financially. Saar asserted the Jewish people's historical right to live in all parts of the Land of Israel, referencing the Balfour Declaration and UN Charter.

Saar specifically denounced the boycott of goods from Judea and Samaria as "disgusting" and discriminatory, accusing the Labour government of employing BDS tactics solely against Israel. He refuted claims about new construction decisions in the E1 area, stating the decision was made over a year ago and that construction would not harm the territorial integrity of a future Palestinian state.

Furthermore, Saar described the British measures as a "gross interference in the electoral system of a sovereign state" and an unacceptable attempt to influence an election campaign. He concluded by stating that the Israeli public overwhelmingly supports settlements and opposes a Palestinian state in the country's heartland, a goal he believes the British government is trying to impose unsuccessfully.