UK Foreign Secretary Rejects Chief Rabbi's Warning on Israeli Settlement Sanctions

British Foreign Secretary David Miliband has rejected a warning from the UK's Chief Rabbi, Ephraim Mirvis, that British Jews face increased risk following the government's decision to impose economic sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank. In a BBC Radio interview, Miliband identified himself as a "proud British Jew" and stated that while he deeply respects the Chief Rabbi, he disagrees with his position. Miliband asserted that "anyone who holds British Jews, or indeed Jews around the world, responsible for the actions of the Israeli government is, frankly, antisemitic."

Miliband, who also mentioned he does not intend to attend synagogue for Rosh Hashanah, emphasized the need for collective action against antisemitism while upholding British values. Chief Rabbi Mirvis had previously criticized the sanctions, calling it a "particularly dark day" and arguing that such political gestures fuel hostile discourse and empower those who use hatred against Jews as a benchmark.

Following Miliband's remarks, the foreign ministers of 12 countries, including Britain, France, Canada, and Germany, issued a joint statement asserting that Israeli actions in the West Bank undermine the two-state solution. The decision, announced just before Rosh Hashanah, drew sharp criticism from British Jewish leadership.

The Jewish Leadership Council (JLC) suggested the move could lead to a de facto boycott of Israel and accused Miliband of "capitulating to pressure from the most extreme elements of British society." The Board of Deputies of British Jews warned that the escalating relations heighten community security concerns to new peaks and intensify internal tensions, while also noting their prior warnings to the Israeli government about settler violence.