UK Intelligence Warned Against Sanctions on Israel, Report Claims

Senior figures in the British diplomatic and security establishment warned the government against imposing sanctions on Israel, according to a report by The Spectator magazine. The professional staff advised the government not to necessarily abandon the sanctions, but to postpone them until after the Israeli elections on October 27, to avoid inadvertently interfering with Israeli politics.

Foreign Secretary Gideon Sa'ar reportedly conveyed a similar message to his British counterpart, David Miliband, on August 11, requesting a delay until after the elections. The Israeli Embassy in London also communicated a similar sentiment, suggesting a wait-and-see approach given the possibility of a new Israeli government forming post-election.

Despite these warnings, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham told Parliament that he and the Foreign Secretary had considered the risks and consulted with security services and foreign missions before deciding to proceed. Burnham cited concerns about the "final collapse" of the two-state solution as the reason for the sanctions, while Miliband spoke of "ethnic cleansing."

Notably, Simon Walters, the British Ambassador to Tel Aviv, and National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell, reportedly also advised against swift action. Their concern was that confronting a foreign government could inadvertently benefit Prime Minister Netanyahu during the election campaign. Three sources told The Spectator that this point was made clear to the government, with one senior security source stating that while Miliband desired a change in Israeli leadership, sanctions could have the opposite effect.

The sanctions package includes a ban on imports from Israeli settlements, stricter controls on arms exports, potential sanctions on individuals and companies involved in commercial activities in the West Bank, a ban on advertising settlement properties in the UK, and sanctions against five individuals accused of inciting violence against Palestinians. The Spectator also suggested that domestic politics, including pressure from Labour MPs and concerns about losing voters to the Green Party, may have influenced the decision.

MI6 reportedly warned that one potential consequence of the sanctions could be damage to intelligence cooperation with Israel. A source close to the security services described frustration within the organization, stating that the implications were presented to decision-makers before the announcement. While intelligence sharing on imminent terrorist attacks would likely continue, the flow of ongoing information, such as names, connections, financial movements, and conversations, could be compromised. British intelligence officials reportedly believe that Israeli capabilities in the Middle East are difficult to replace, and that Arab intelligence services are not at the same level, with some Gulf states even benefiting indirectly from Israeli intelligence passed through the UK.