Miliband defends UK sanctions on Israeli settlements as Israeli embassy accuses Britain of 'nuclear option'
UK foreign secretary stands by trade restrictions on illegal West Bank settlements despite pushback from Israeli officials and the chief rabbi.
UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has defended sanctions imposed on trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank, saying he is "proud" of the action despite criticism. A spokesperson for the Israeli embassy in London accused the UK of deploying a diplomatic "nuclear option," arguing that sanctions between democratic allies—particularly one "fighting a shared enemy in Iran"—are unprecedented. The embassy official also cited the timing, noting Israeli elections are less than 50 days away and the period coincides with Jewish high holidays.
The UK government has accused Israeli forces of ethnic cleansing in the West Bank with government backing. Miliband said he "regrets" Israel's response to the ban but defended the government's stance on the restrictions.
Sources
- Miliband defends sanctions on Israeli settlements and pushes back against chief rabbi’s criticism – UK politics live — The Guardian — World
EGazette summarizes reporting from multiple sources; follow the links for the originals.
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