Israel Vows Retaliation Against UK Sanctions

Israel's Foreign Minister G Gideon Saar announced retaliatory measures against the United Kingdom following London's imposition of sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank and arms export restrictions. Saar, speaking after consultation with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, condemned the UK's actions as "outrageous and false accusations" and a "gross interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign state and in its electoral process." He stated that the sanctions, timed before the Jewish New Year and the Labour Party conference, were "morally perverse" and evoked "extremely unpleasant historical associations."

Saar asserted that the Jewish people have a right to live in all parts of the Land of Israel, referencing historical documents like the Balfour Declaration and the UN Charter, which he argued contradict the UK's current stance. He criticized the boycott of goods from Judea and Samaria as damaging to law-abiding citizens and accused the Labour government of applying BDS practices exclusively against Israel, thus discriminating against the Jewish state. Saar also refuted claims about new construction in the E1 area and the disruption of Palestinian territorial continuity, explaining that road construction plans were made over a year ago.

He detailed a series of what he called "hostile steps" by the Labour government since July 2024, including recognizing a "virtual Palestinian state," resuming UNRWA funding despite alleged involvement in the October 7th massacre, suspending defense export licenses, sanctioning Israeli ministers and citizens, halting free trade talks, and limiting Israel's participation in defense exhibitions. Saar also claimed these actions have contributed to a rise in antisemitic attacks in the UK.

As a result, Israel will close the British consulate in Jerusalem, expel British representatives from the Gaza aid coordination center in Kiryat Gat, cease the British Support Team program for the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah, and ban entry to Israel for 12 British officials and citizens involved in anti-Israel activities or denying Israel's right to exist. Saar warned that Israel would respond in kind to any nation acting against its interests, stating that such actions would harm both the perpetrators and the Palestinians, including tens of thousands of Palestinian workers in Israeli settlements.

Saar concluded by emphasizing that the conflict would not be resolved by statements from London or Paris and that unilateral anti-Israel approaches delay rather than advance a solution. He pointed out the UK's failure to sanction the Palestinian Authority for its alleged support of terrorism through the "Pay for Slay" mechanism and its disregard for ongoing Palestinian terror against Israelis.