UK measures against Israel: What to know
As we’ve been reporting, the UK has taken a series of measures against Israel over what Lammy calls “cruel and indefensible” actions in Gaza as well as settlement expansion and settler violence in the occupied West Bank.
Here’s what the British government announced and how Israel responded:
- The UK suspended free-trade agreement negotiations with Israel, saying it could not advance discussions while the Israeli government is pursuing “egregious policies”.
- It also announced sanctions targeting three people, including leading settler activist Daniella Weiss, as well as two illegal outposts and two organisations in the occupied West Bank.
- Israel’s ambassador to the UK, Tzipi Hotovely, has been summoned over the expansion of Israel’s military operation in Gaza and its 11-week block on aid.
- In response, Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein said external pressure would not “divert Israel from its path in defending its existence and security” and referred to the UK’s new measures as an “anti-Israel obsession”.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry says UK willing to ‘harm own economy’ over ‘anti-Israel obsession’
Israel’s Foreign Ministry has hit back at the UK’s move to pause negotiations on a new trade deal with Israel over the war in Gaza, calling it politically motivated and counter to the UK’s own interests.
“The agreement serves the mutual benefit of both countries,” ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein said in comments carried by Arutz Sheva, a media outlet identifying with religious Zionism. “If, due to anti-Israel obsession and internal political considerations, the British government is willing to harm its own economy, that is its decision.”
Marmorstein also slammed the newly unveiled sanctions by the UK, traditionally one of Israel’s top allies in Europe. They target settlers in the occupied West Bank who have been linked to acts of violence against Palestinians. Marmorstein called them “puzzling” and “regrettable”.
UK trade with Israel accounts for 0.3% of total UK trade... Halting the trade agreement won't have any effect on either UK or Israel. Anyway so far it's just about not expanding the trade agreement.
