U.K. to unveil 'comprehensive' measures against Israeli settlements in coming weeks, Miliband says
The British foreign secretary said his country would not 'acquiesce in the destruction of the two-state solution.' Israel's foreign minister, Gideon Sa'ar, said Israel was prepared to retaliate against such measures
The United Kingdom intends to announce a comprehensive package of measures targeting Israeli settlements in the West Bank within the coming weeks, according to Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband. Miliband emphasized that his government will not accept the dismantling of the two-state solution and vowed to take action. Prime Minister Andy Burnham reportedly discussed additional steps to ban trade with goods originating from Israeli settlements, highlighting the government's collaborative effort with various departments and international allies.
Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa ar warned of retaliation if Britain enacts measures concerning settlement expansion, stating that Israel has the means to respond. The Financial Times earlier reported that Israel is contemplating expelling British representatives from the Gaza coordination center in Kiryat Gat, possibly in response to the UK's criticism of the E1 settlement plan, as well as potential actions the UK may initiate.
This potential expulsion would be problematic, as Britain has the third-largest delegation at the Kiryat Gat center, and could also strain relations with the United States, which established the center. Despite concerns from leading British Jewish organizations, the UK government is considering banning all trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank, following Israel's announcement of a tender for 1,200 housing units in the disputed E1 area.
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