Smotrich calls for UK ambassador’s expulsion
Smotrich calls for UK ambassador’s expulsion
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Key Points
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Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir separately urged recognition of Argentina’s sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, accusing Britain of exploiting oil resources around the disputed territory.
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The British measures could extend beyond settlement goods to sanctions on companies involved in settlement construction, with Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband saying London did not want British companies “financing, constructing or advertising new settlements.”
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Miliband condemned Israel’s advancement of plans for 1,234 homes in the E1 area as an “unacceptable and destructive act,” making the settlement project a specific trigger for the proposed British response.
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Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar accused Britain of “systematically acting against Israel” and warned that Jerusalem would retaliate if London imposed the punitive measures.
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The planned diplomatic shift was presented as part of a broader British “reset” involving support for Palestinian rights and greater emphasis on compliance with international law, rather than solely as a trade action.
Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich demanded the expulsion of Britain's ambassador on Thursday, accusing the UK of antisemitism after London announced sanctions on Israeli West Bank settlements. Al Jazeera reported that UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband unveiled an import ban on settlement goods and restrictions on companies financing or building new homes in occupied territory.
The escalating row centers on Britain's opposition to Israel's E1 settlement expansion, which Daily Mail said Miliband condemned as 'ethnic cleansing.' Israeli officials warned of retaliation, though analysts expect limited economic impact on bilateral trade given the small scale of settlement commerce.
Smotrich's Sharp Response to British Sanctions
Smotrich called Britain's moves antisemitic and demanded Ambassador's immediate expulsion. He declared the British Mandate in Palestine 'over,' signaling Israel's rejection of UK authority on Middle East affairs. His rhetoric reflected anger at what Israeli officials view as discriminatory treatment.
Britain's Broader 'Reset' on Palestinian Rights
Miliband framed the sanctions as part of a larger policy shift toward supporting Palestinian rights and international law compliance. Al Jazeera reported the UK will ban imports from settlements and restrict companies involved in construction. The measures specifically target the E1 project, where Israel plans 1,234 new homes.
Daily Mail noted Miliband said London would not allow British firms to finance, construct, or advertise 'new settlements.' The Foreign Secretary called Israel's E1 expansion 'unacceptable and destructive,' making the settlement project a trigger for London's response.
Israeli Retaliation Warnings and Ben-Gvir's Counterattack
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar warned Jerusalem would retaliate if Britain imposed punitive measures. He accused London of 'systematically acting against Israel.' Meanwhile, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir escalated tensions by urging recognition of Argentina's sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, accusing Britain of exploiting oil resources there.
Security Experts Question UK's Diplomatic Strategy
The Jewish Chronicle reported that former MI6 chief Richard Dearlove criticized Labour's sanctions as 'virtue signalling' that could harm the UK-Israel security relationship. He questioned the timing of the announcement amid regional tensions. However, supporters argue the measures align Britain with international law on settlements.
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