UK Foreign Secretary Rejects Chief Rabbi's Concerns Over Israel Settlement Sanctions

British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has rejected arguments from Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis that new sanctions against Jewish settlements in the West Bank could fuel anti-Israel and anti-Jewish sentiment. Miliband stated on September 9 that combating antisemitism can be done without compromising "British values." He also announced he would not attend synagogue for Rosh Hashanah, emphasizing that blaming British Jews for Israeli government actions constitutes antisemitism.

Rabbi Mirvis described the sanctions as a "dark day," warning they would strengthen extremists and foster hostility towards Israel. He criticized the policy as punitive and counterproductive, arguing it emboldens those who use hatred against Jews. The Jewish Leadership Council (JLC) echoed these concerns, cautioning that the sanctions risk becoming an effective boycott of Israel and accused Miliband of "capitulating to the pressure of the most radical forces in British society." The JLC also deemed the timing of the announcement, just before Rosh Hashanah, to be particularly unfortunate.

The sanctions, announced by Miliband on September 8, target economic activity with settlements deemed illegal under international law. This move was part of a joint statement by 11 European nations, including Canada, France, and Spain, reaffirming commitment to a two-state solution. However, Germany, Italy, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Austria declined to join the sanctions.

Despite the sanctions, Miliband affirmed that the UK and Israel would continue cooperation on national security matters, reiterating that a two-state solution remains the guiding principle of British policy. Israeli President Isaac Herzog had previously urged foreign governments to "stop" and "stay away from the dead end of sanctions and boycotts," calling the move a "gross interference in the democratic elections of a sovereign state."

The British government has previously imposed sanctions on Israeli settlers and outposts for violence against Palestinians and illegal construction. The current measures are expected to broaden to include trade in goods and potentially services with all West Bank settlements. Separately, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham expressed concern over Israel's E1 project, which critics argue could impede the establishment of a Palestinian state.