Israel Retaliates After UK Threatens Sanctions Over E1 Settlements
Israel closed the British Consulate in Jerusalem and expelled officials after the UK threatened sanctions against companies bidding on West Bank settlement construction.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband warned companies and individuals that bidding on construction tenders for the E1 settlement project in the West Bank could result in British sanctions. Miliband stated the UK has created new powers to penalize entities involved in illegal settlements, characterizing the E1 project—located between Jerusalem and Ma'aleh Adumim—as a direct threat to a two-state solution. The UK government is also drafting legislation to ban imports from illegal settlements and penalize financial services that facilitate their growth.
These warnings followed Israel's publication of tenders for seven residential compounds totaling 1,234 housing units. In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar rejected the threats and announced a series of retaliatory measures. Israel closed the British Consulate in Jerusalem, removed British representatives from the International Gaza Support Center in Kiryat Gat, and terminated British training for Palestinian Authority security forces in Ramallah. Additionally, Israel barred 12 British nationals and elected officials from entering the country.
Parallel to the diplomatic rift, Jibril Rajoub of the Fatah faction met with other Palestinian movements in Cairo to discuss unified political representation. Rajoub urged Palestinians to maintain a peaceful struggle despite escalating settler violence, warning that military actions in the West Bank could lead to an explosion.
