Israel warns UK of 'significant response' over West Bank settlement sanctions

A senior Israeli official has threatened a significant response if the UK proceeds with sanctions on settlements in the West Bank, the official told i24NEWS' on Wednesday.

The UK announced on Tuesday that it would 'reset' its relationship with Israel in response to the expansion of settlements in East Jerusalem, known as the E1 plan.

The 'reset' is expected to include new sanctions against exports from West Bank settlements to the UK as well as individuals involved in expanding settlements.

"Israel will respond quickly and in a significant manner," the official said.

The announcement of sanctions surprised Israeli officials. "We didn’t just estimate it in advance; we had information. They talked about it," the official told i24NEWS.

The official pointed to internal political considerations in London as the source of the rapid turnaround. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham took power at the end of July after ousting his predecessor Keir Starmer, who was accused by Labour Party activists of not doing enough on Israel.

The senior Israeli official said that pre-existing plans were being considered, but that Jerusalem was waiting to see exactly what is decided in London.

"If what is being published happens, our response will be a significant response," the official said. "Regarding the next steps — we have all kinds of options. We will respond quite quickly."

The official also took aim at European states planning similar sanctions: "You are taking a one-sided position — the meaning is that you will have no role in the region. That’s the minimum."

The official also dismissed European concerns over the E1 plan, saying that the plan is to connect Jerusalem and Maale Adumim, "which is an Israeli consensus."