Progressive UK rabbis say West Bank sanctions necessary to combat settler violence

British sanctions imposed on Israeli West Bank settlements will not deter Israel from safeguarding its citizens, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana (Likud) asserted on Thursday during an appearance on 103FM. Ohana affirmed that Israel would persist in its efforts to secure the safety and security of its citizens, even if it incurs condemnation and harsh criticism from various countries worldwide. He emphasized that their "closest ally is not Londonistan but the United States of America."

Ohana also referenced former Prime Minister Golda Meir's statement, "We prefer your condemnations over their condolences," in response to the criticism faced by Israel. When questioned whether his remarks could justify violence by Jews in the West Bank, Ohana categorically rejected the notion, stating, "I of course condemn that small group that does not represent the settlement movement."

The British sanctions target not only individuals involved in violent actions but also the entire "settlement enterprise" and goods originating from these settlements, according to Ohana. He accused Mohammed Dahlan of disseminating falsehoods about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Ohana asserted that the report's source was not the UAE president but rather Mohammed Dahlan, who aims to succeed Abu Mazen (Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas).

Ohana contended that Dahlan seeks to undermine Netanyahu's election prospects due to his political motivations, as expressed by "the man who wants to succeed Abu Mazen and understands that it will be easier for him to take control of the Palestinian Authority if Netanyahu is not elected."

Ohana dismissed the report as a fabrication, claiming it had been circulating for three years before its recent exposure. He criticized the report as "fake news" and emphasized that Netanyahu had vehemently denied the allegations. When asked about claims that Naftali Bennett and former CIA director Bill Burns were also privy to the same conversation, Ohana pointed out that other officials have refuted the report.

He highlighted the absence of documentation or records supporting the claims, emphasizing that the burden of proof lies with the party presenting the report. Ohana expressed confidence that the Israeli public would not be swayed by the fabricated narrative, stating, "I do not think this report moved a single person from one camp to another."