Israel's US Ambassador Slams UK Sanctions on West Bank

Israel's Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, has sharply criticized the recent sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom on the West Bank, attributing them to internal British political considerations. Leiter suggested that the British government is more concerned with domestic issues, stating, "I think the British government is more worried about what's happening in London, parts of which look like Baghdad, than what's happening in Judea and Samaria." He described the UK Foreign Office's policy as "completely immoral and intolerable."

Leiter vehemently rejected the characterization of Jewish residents in the West Bank as 'occupiers,' asserting that the area has "always been a Jewish area and is an integral part of the Land of Israel." He highlighted Israel as a democratic nation where people of all faiths coexist peacefully, noting that most Palestinians and Jews in the West Bank live side-by-side. Leiter acknowledged the existence of Palestinian terrorists attacking Jews and a fringe element of Jewish individuals responding with violence, calling it "senseless violence."

During an interview on Fox News with journalist Mark Levin, Leiter agreed with the premise that reports of Jewish violence against Palestinians are exaggerated and serve a broader propaganda campaign. He drew parallels to accusations leveled against Israel after the October 7th Hamas attacks, recalling, "We were accused of genocide and starvation on October 8th. We hadn't even entered Gaza yet in response to the Hamas massacre."

Leiter also stated that pro-Hamas organizations within the U.S. are encouraging Palestinian U.S. passport holders to travel to the West Bank to participate in incitement activities. "We are finding more and more U.S. passport holders involved in this incitement against Jews in Judea and Samaria, something we have to deal with," he said. He concluded by emphasizing the historical, geographical, and security importance of the West Bank to Israel, calling it "the center of the country."