Protesters halt game as calls grow on Ireland to boycott second Israel game

Israeli President Isaac Herzog vehemently condemned British sanctions, calling them "unfair and politically motivated," and accusing the United Kingdom of interfering in his country's elections. "I was very disturbed and offended on behalf of my nation regarding the sanctions that were laid against us by the U.K. government," Herzog expressed during an interview.

The sanctions, announced by British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband earlier this month, involve banning the trade of goods and services from Israeli settlements and targeting companies and individuals supporting settlement expansion. Miliband also stated that the U.K. recognizes Palestinians facing "ethnic cleansing" in parts of the West Bank and criticized Israel for turning a blind eye.

Herzog dismissed the measures, arguing they would exacerbate the situation rather than assist Palestinians. "It's directly intervening in Israeli politics, which shouldn't have happened. You want to move things, have a dialogue with Israel and don't blame Israel," he insisted. The conflict unfolds as Israel prepares for its October elections amid growing international isolation.

In response, Israel threatened retaliation by closing its British consulate in Jerusalem and warned of additional countermeasures against other nations.