Israel warns it will retaliate if UK imposes sanctions
· World · BBC News, The Independent
Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has warned that his country will retaliate if the UK implements sanctions against it regarding the expansion of settlements in the West Bank. The warning follows UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband’s announcement of a policy reset, which includes examining ways to stop UK companies from financing or constructing new settlement homes. Last month, Israel opened tenders for approximately 1,200 settlement homes in the E1 area, a strategic location east of Jerusalem. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that these plans could undermine the two-state solution, which envisions an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel. Israel maintains its opposition to the two-state solution, while the Palestinian Authority supports it.
Why it matters
The potential sanctions could strain diplomatic relations between the UK and Israel, while the construction plans in the E1 area threaten the viability of a future Palestinian state.
Read the original report — BBC News
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