US Cites Concern Over UK Sanctions on Israeli Settlements

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed Wednesday that the White House was aware of Britain's decision to impose sanctions on Israeli settlements, stating the move could impact efforts to advance objectives in Gaza and peace initiatives. Blinken noted that the U.S. does not intend to join the sanctions.

According to a Bloomberg report citing British diplomats in closed-door discussions, the new sanctions are largely symbolic and are not expected to significantly affect trade or security relations between the UK and Israel. Some British officials indicated that the measures themselves might be limited in impact, with potential workarounds like re-labeling goods. London is reportedly working behind the scenes to appease the Trump administration, concerned about potential damage to its relationship with Washington.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham wrote in an opinion piece for Bloomberg that years of advocating for a two-state solution require action, not just words. He revealed Britain's hesitation to act for a long time due to fears of being accused of anti-Israel sentiment. Burnham clarified that the sanctions target the Israeli government's policies, not the Israeli public.

Earlier, British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced sanctions against settlements, as well as Hamas and Hezbollah. He declared the occupation illegal due to Israel's loss of control and promotion of extremist settler agendas, stating that sanctions on exports from the West Bank and on companies and individuals involved in settlement expansion would be implemented. Miliband emphasized these sanctions are not related to BDS, which he condemned, and are aimed at settlers, not Israel, while affirming continued support for Israel's security.

Foreign ministers from Iceland, Ireland, Denmark, Norway, Spain, Poland, Portugal, Finland, France, Canada, and Sweden issued a joint statement asserting that Israeli actions in the West Bank undermine the possibility of a two-state solution, citing unprecedented settler violence and settlement expansion, including the E1 settlement project.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog called the potential British sanctions a "grave error in judgment" and an "outright intervention in the democratic elections of a sovereign state." Foreign Minister Gidon Saar condemned the sanctions, announcing Israel would close the British Consulate in Jerusalem and expel British representatives from the international aid center for Gaza in Kiryat Gat. He also stated that 12 British public officials and citizens involved in antisemitic and anti-Israel activities would be barred from entry, warning that actions against Israel would not go unanswered.