Relations between Britain and Israel have worsened rapidly after new British restrictions. Israel has now announced retaliatory measures against the UK. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced the decision with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s approval. Israel will close the British Consulate in Jerusalem following Britain’s actions.
Sa’ar said the move responds to British sanctions against West Bank settlements. The decision comes after Britain announced restrictions on trade linked with Israeli settlements.
Israel Announces Four Actions Against Britain
Israel has announced four major steps in response to British policies. First, Jerusalem’s British Consulate will shut down following the diplomatic dispute. Second, British representatives will leave the International Gaza Support Centre in Kiryat Gat. Third, Israel will stop British training for Palestinian Authority security forces under the Ramallah support team.
Fourth, Israel will block entry for 12 elected British representatives and some other UK citizens. Israel accused these individuals of involvement in anti-Israel or antisemitic activities.
The Israeli government also alleged that some people deny Israel’s existence. These restrictions mark Israel’s response through diplomatic and administrative actions.
Israel Accuses UK Of Interference In Internal Matters
Gideon Sa’ar accused the British government of interfering in Israel’s internal affairs and election process. He described Britain’s sanctions as politically motivated and one-sided actions against Israel. However, Sa’ar said Israel does not have problems with British citizens. He added that Israel has many friends in Britain. According to Sa’ar, the current Labour government continues taking steps against Israel. Meanwhile, Tel Aviv rejected Britain’s criticism regarding West Bank settlements and the E1 area.
Sa’ar said decisions related to E1 development are more than a year old. He also called Britain’s claims about Palestinian territorial connectivity baseless.
Israel Warns More Countries Could Face Similar Responses
Israel also criticised Britain’s policies against Israeli ministers and institutions. These measures included sanctions, weapons export licence restrictions and stopping free trade agreement talks. Additionally, Israel criticised limits on military and security cooperation. Sa’ar warned that Israel could take similar steps against other countries. He said governments acting against Israel would face responses from Jerusalem. Through these actions, Israel aims to signal that sanctions will receive diplomatic and administrative replies. Earlier, Britain announced restrictions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The UK also stopped imports of goods from occupied Palestinian areas.
During a statement in the House of Commons, British Foreign Minister Ed Miliband and Prime Minister Andy Burnham addressed concerns. They condemned the alleged ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in West Bank settlements.
