UK Foreign Secretary Defends Sanctions on Settlements, Vows Continued Intelligence Ties with Israel

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron addressed Israel's retaliatory measures following the UK's sanctions on West Bank settlements, calling the Israeli actions "regrettable and damaging." Despite this, Cameron expressed confidence that intelligence and security cooperation between the two nations would continue.

Israel's response included closing the British Consulate in Jerusalem within 30 days and banning entry for 11 British Members of Parliament. These actions were a direct reaction to Britain's announcement of an import ban on goods from settlements in the West Bank.

Cameron stated that closing the consulate would be "harmful to the Palestinian people," but argued that action was necessary due to the ongoing suffering and oppression of Palestinians. He also rejected criticism from Britain's Chief Rabbi, Ephraim Mirvis, who called the British decision "a truly dark day for British Jews." Cameron disagreed with the Rabbi's assessment that the sanctions could increase antisemitism, emphasizing that everyone has a responsibility to combat antisemitism, which he described as a "plague and evil."

When asked about his personal religious practices, Cameron confirmed he does not attend synagogue. He reiterated the importance of the "important intelligence and security relationship with Israel" and was certain these ties would persist despite the strained atmosphere, stating Britain does not set its course based on Israeli elections.

Regarding the enforcement of sanctions, Cameron expressed confidence in Britain's ability to implement the new restrictions, noting they aim to impact services that facilitate the "expansion of the occupation." He also accused "terrorist settlers" of carrying out "ethnic cleansing" with the Israeli government's "acquiescence," warning that the Israeli government is leading the country toward international isolation.