Gaza: Israel announced a series of measures against Britain following London's imposition of economic sanctions targeting Israeli colonies in the occupied West Bank. The retaliatory actions include the closure of the British Consulate in Jerusalem, the removal of British representatives from the US-backed International Gaza Support Center in Kiryat Gat, and ending British involvement in training Palestinian Authority security forces in Ramallah. Additionally, Israel has barred 12 elected British figures from entering the country, citing alleged involvement in antisemitic and anti-Israel activities.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar stated that the measures were executed with the approval of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Sa'ar described Britain's actions concerning the colonies as interference in Israeli affairs and an attempt to influence Israel's upcoming election campaign, though no evidence was provided to substantiate these claims.
Sa'ar also indicated that similar measures could be directed at other countries at the discretion of the Israeli government. He emphasized that nations acting against Israel would face consequences, losing their influence and relevance in the region.
The British government's actions, as described by Sa'ar, are seen as motivated by domestic political reasons, particularly in anticipation of the Labour Party conference. He condemned the sanctions as blatant interference in the affairs of a sovereign state and criticized the ban on colony products and sanctions against individuals and entities involved in settlement expansion as part of a broader campaign against Israel.
Sa'ar placed these British measures within a context of prior actions by the Labour government, including recognizing the State of Palestine, resuming funding for the United Nations Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), and suspending some arms export licenses to Israel, among others.
These Israeli measures follow an announcement by 12 countries, including Britain, Canada, and France, expressing their intention to impose or support restrictions on trade with Israeli colonies in the occupied West Bank. The countries cited escalating colonist attacks on Palestinians and mounting international pressure on Israel over settlement expansion as reasons for their actions.
Earlier today, foreign ministries from Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the UK confirmed their intent to introduce or support European restrictions on trade with settlements deemed illegal under international law.
These developments occur as the Israeli government continues to expand settlements in the West Bank, defying international calls for a halt, amidst increasing attacks by colonist militias against Palestinian civilians.