UK Admits Hesitation on Settlements Due to Antisemitism Fears

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham revealed that his government long refrained from taking practical steps against Israeli settlements due to fears of being accused of antisemitism. However, he stated that the rhetoric surrounding a two-state solution is meaningless without corresponding actions. Burnham detailed a package of sanctions and a legal shift, with London now viewing the occupation itself as illegal.

The measures include a ban on trade with settlement products and sanctions against individuals and companies supporting the E1 project. Burnham emphasized that these actions are not directed against the Israeli people or the British Jewish community, whom he described as not responsible for the actions of the Netanyahu government and deserving full protection against antisemitism.

He sharply criticized the expansion of settlements, claiming that more settlements were approved during Netanyahu's four-year term than in the preceding twenty years. Burnham asserted that the October 7th attack does not justify the Israeli government's actions in Gaza and the West Bank.

In response, Israel's Foreign Minister Gidon Saar ordered the closure of the British Consulate in Jerusalem, the expulsion of aid center representatives from Kiryat Gat, the cessation of training for Palestinian Authority forces, and the denial of entry to twelve British citizens and public officials. While Britain acknowledged awareness of the sensitive timing during Israel's election campaign, they maintained they could not wait. The British move was coordinated within a broad coalition of twelve countries pursuing similar actions.