UK Sanctions Israeli Settlements; US Expresses Concern, Avoids Condemnation

The United States administration under President Donald Trump did not object to economic sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom on Israeli settlements in Judea and Samaria, according to Axios, citing U.S. officials. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham reportedly informed Trump of the impending sanctions before their announcement on September 8, and the U.S. president did not oppose the move. U.S. officials also conveyed to their British counterparts that they "share their concerns about the Netanyahu government's policies on the West Bank, even if they do not agree with these specific sanctions."

On September 9, eleven other countries, including Canada, Denmark, France, and Spain, joined the British initiative with a joint statement asserting that "Israel's actions undermine the possibility of a two-state solution." They called for an immediate halt to settlement expansion and civil administration powers, and for accountability for perpetrators of violence. These nations also announced intentions to "introduce restrictions on trade with settlements considered illegal under international law."

The British sanctions targeted five "extremist settlers" and organizations involved in settlement construction, and included a ban on importing goods from settlements in Judea and Samaria. In response, Israeli Foreign Minister G Gideon Saar ordered the closure of the British consulate in East Jerusalem, the removal of British representatives from a Gaza Strip coordination office, the cessation of British involvement in training Palestinian Authority forces, and a ban on entry for 12 British officials deemed "involved in anti-Semitic and anti-Israel activities and denying Israel's very existence."

The White House distanced itself from remarks made by U.S. Ambassador to Jerusalem Mike Huckabee, who had suggested a "colossal impact on the British economy" if the UK proceeded with sanctions. A White House spokesperson clarified that Huckabee's statements were not coordinated with the administration. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, while not condemning the British decision, stated that the U.S. would not take similar actions but had no further comment, expressing a desire to avoid "anything destabilizing" in Judea and Samaria.

Prime Minister Burnham defended the sanctions, stating that for too long, governments had hesitated to act for fear of being accused of anti-Israel sentiment. He emphasized that the measures were directed at the policies of the current Israeli government, not the Israeli people. Burnham also addressed the Gaza conflict, calling the suffering of the Palestinian people a "stain on the conscience of the world" and expressing concern that the two-state solution was threatened by continued settlement expansion, particularly in the E1 area, which he believes would bisect the West Bank.