British Jewish Group Regrets UK Sanctions on Israeli Settlements

The Board of Deputies of British Jews, the primary representative body for the UK's Jewish community, expressed "deep regret" following the British government's announcement of broad sanctions targeting Israeli settlements in Judea and Samaria. The organization fears an escalation of tensions within the UK and a further deterioration of relations between London and Israel. "As the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah approaches, with community security concerns at their highest, this decision will be felt particularly acutely by British Jews," stated the Board of Deputies. They believe the strained relations could impact security and economies, and "further fuel community tensions" in the UK.

The sanctions, announced by British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, include an import ban on products from Israeli settlements. The UK also plans to sanction companies and individuals involved in their development and deny export licenses for arms or equipment supporting the Israeli presence in Judea and Samaria. The Board of Deputies criticized the timing of the announcement during Israel's election campaign, suggesting it could produce "perverse consequences" contrary to London's stated goals. They urged both governments to prioritize national interests over "partisan interests."

While critical of the sanctions, the Board of Deputies also condemned violence by settlers, stating they had warned the Israeli government that such "intolerable" acts and provocative measures harm Israel's international image and peace prospects. However, they also criticized London for not sufficiently addressing the responsibility of Palestinian leaders and other hostile regional actors. The organization called for "wisdom and restraint" from both governments to prevent further escalation and preserve prospects for lasting peace.