Prominent Israelis Support UK Sanctions on Illegal Settlements
Prominent Israelis, including a former prime minister, military officials and diplomats, have welcomed the UK's sanctions targeting illegal settlements in the West Bank.
Prominent Israelis, including a former prime minister, former military commanders, and diplomats, have welcomed the UK's new sanctions targeting settlements and violence in the occupied West Bank, describing the situation as an inevitable consequence.
Joint Statement and Nature of the Sanctions
In a joint statement featuring figures such as the president of the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities, prominent individuals emphasized that the sanctions target Jewish terrorists rather than the legitimacy of the Israeli state.
Steps by the UK Foreign Secretary
UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband had previously indicated that new sanctions were planned, but the scope of the controls announced on Tuesday and the language used came as a surprise.
International Support and Reactions
The decision's impact was amplified as France and Canada announced plans for trade bans on settlement goods, with 10 other European countries supporting similar measures.
Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar reacted strongly ahead of elections in late October, accusing Miliband of overt interference in the country's internal affairs.