UK vows tougher action on Israeli settler violence as Israel threatens retaliation

London, September 2 - The British Foreign Secretary, Ed Miliband, declared a firm response to the brutal violence inflicted by Israeli settlers on Palestinians in the West Bank, on Tuesday, drawing threats from Israel that it would retaliate should the UK impose sanctions. Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, along with his right-wing supporters, have been intensifying their backing for settlements ahead of the closely contested elections, despite the surge in attacks by extremist settlers aiming to force Palestinians out of their homes.

However, this issue has elicited mounting criticism from global governments, many of whom have already felt their relations with Israel deteriorate due to its conduct in the Gaza war. In parliament on Tuesday, Miliband spoke about the "appalling settler terrorism" witnessed and the Palestinians being pushed from their homes. He vowed a "comprehensive reset of our policy," outlining a series of measures in the coming weeks.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar countered in a podcast, stating that if Britain takes action against Israel, Israel would retaliate against Britain. Saar did not specify how Israel would respond, but it has reportedly considered expelling diplomats. The veteran diplomat warned that the era where Israel could be acted upon without responding is over.

If Israel takes action, it will be a significant mistake, he said, accusing London of meddling in Israel's October 27 election. The British government's stance has become more hardline, with Prime Minister Andy Burnham criticizing his predecessor Keir Starmer for being too soft on Israel. Starmer sanctioned six entities and one individual involved in funding, enabling, and carrying out settler violence in June, in coordination with a few Western nations.

Miliband termed Israel's "E1 development plan" as a "red line," as it cuts through the heart of the West Bank and puts the viability of a Palestinian state at risk. Israel has proceeded with tenders for the project, which has been opposed by Palestinians due to its potential to divide the West Bank. Miliband, a son of Jewish refugees, announced that Britain would scrutinize its economic ties with the occupied territories, vowing not to support British companies financing, constructing, or advertising new settlements.

Israel has opposed any distinction between goods from Israel and settlements, which are deemed unlawful under international law. Recently, Israel expelled two Dutch diplomats from a US-led center coordinating a ceasefire in Gaza after the Netherlands banned trade from settlements, a move traditionally supported by Europe's pro-Israeli countries.

The British embassy in Israel stated that it was participating in the center at the United States' request and to support the Gaza peace plan, and removing it would undermine these joint efforts. The violence against Palestinians by extremist Israeli settlers has become increasingly brazen, with incidents like setting a mosque on fire in the northern West Bank and leaving threatening messages in Hebrew.

Despite the robust support from the United States, Huckabee, an evangelical pastor, described some settlers as "terrorists" after they attempted to block Palestinian homes in Qusra, including one owned by a US citizen.