UK politics live: US hits out at ‘irrational’ Britain over Israeli West Bank sanctions
· World · The Independent, France 24
The US ambassador to Israel has condemned the UK’s new sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank as an ‘irrational action’ and ‘discrimination against the Jewish people,’ escalating tensions between London and Washington. UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband is set to outline a ‘reset’ of UK-Israel relations in a parliamentary statement on Tuesday, targeting goods from illegal West Bank settlements for potential trade restrictions. US Ambassador to Israel Andy Burnham’s remarks follow a phone call with President Donald Trump, who is expected to issue a critical statement against the UK’s move. Republican Mike Huckabee echoed the US stance, calling the sanctions ‘discrimination’ and questioning their rationale, while tensions in the West Bank have risen due to violent clashes between Israeli settlers and Palestinians. The article does not specify whether the UK’s sanctions will include military or dual-use goods, nor does it detail the exact economic impact anticipated.
Why it matters
The UK’s sanctions risk straining its diplomatic ties with Israel and the US, Israel’s closest ally, potentially affecting trade, security cooperation, and future diplomatic engagements. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US officials may respond with retaliatory measures, impacting regional stability and UK-Israel economic partnerships.
Read the original report — The Independent
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