Britain threatens tougher measures over Israeli settler violence in the West Bank as Israel warns London it will retaliate against any sanctions, reports Asian Lite News Desk
Britain has threatened tougher action against Israel over escalating settler violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, prompting a warning from the Israeli government that it would respond to any British sanctions.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband told Parliament that Britain could introduce a broader package of measures in response to attacks on Palestinians and developments threatening the prospect of a two-state solution.
The foreign secretary described the violence as “appalling settler terrorism” and said Palestinians had been driven from their homes.
“This government will not acquiesce in the destruction of the two-state solution. We will act,” Miliband said, promising to announce a “comprehensive set of measures” in the coming weeks.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar responded by warning that Israel would retaliate if Britain took action against the country.
“If Britain acts against the State of Israel, the State of Israel will act against Britain,” Saar said, accusing London of interfering in Israel’s political affairs.
The dispute comes amid growing international concern over Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank, where more than 500,000 Israeli settlers live alongside around three million Palestinians.
Miliband also singled out the E1 settlement development plan, which includes more than 1,200 proposed homes. He described the project as a “red line”, arguing that its location could undermine the territorial continuity required for a future Palestinian state.
Britain is also examining its wider economic relationship with the occupied territories, with Miliband saying London does not want British businesses financing, constructing or promoting new settlements.
The UK previously imposed sanctions on six entities and one individual accused of financing or facilitating settler violence.
