Israel Threatens UK Retaliation Over West Bank Settlement Sanctions

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has threatened retaliation against Britain if London moves ahead with sanctions linked to illegal settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, sharpening an increasingly public confrontation between the two governments.

“If Britain acts against the State of Israel, the State of Israel will act against Britain,” Sa’ar said. “The era in which it was possible to act against the State of Israel and Israel would not respond is over.”

He said Israel was already preparing for possible British action. “If they make a mistake, there will be a response.”

London Prepares New Measures

The warning follows British plans for a broader package of measures targeting Israeli settlement activity, with the government saying further action would be announced within weeks.

British officials have focused in particular on Israel’s E1 settlement project in the occupied West Bank, arguing that its development would sever territory sought by Palestinians for a future state and further undermine the prospect of a two-state solution.

The government has also considered sanctions against individuals involved in settlement expansion and is examining its broader economic relationship with the occupied territories.

Possible restrictions on trade connected to settlements have been discussed, although no comprehensive trade ban has been formally announced in the material provided.

E1 Project Drives Tensions

The E1 project would link occupied East Jerusalem with Ma’ale Adumim and other Israeli settlements east of the city.

Britain has argued that construction in the area risks making a viable Palestinian state impossible.

London has also said it does not want British companies financing, constructing or promoting new settlements, and is examining ways to prevent commercial activity that supports their expansion.

Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank are considered illegal under international law by Britain and most states worldwide.

Israel Weighs Its Response

Israeli officials have warned that any British sanctions could produce a “substantial” response, with diplomatic and economic options reportedly under consideration.

One possible step identified in the material is the removal of British officials from the U.S.-led International Gaza Support Center, which was established to monitor the Israel-Hamas ceasefire.

Israel has previously removed Dutch officials from the center after the Netherlands banned goods produced in Israeli settlements. Spain was also expelled after Israel accused Madrid of anti-Israel bias.

Israeli officials are nevertheless weighing the possible longer-term diplomatic costs of action against Britain, including the effect on relationships with British politicians considered more favorable toward Israel.

The U.S. administration has also been described as relaying messages between London and Israel while pressing Britain not to proceed with the sanctions.

Sa’ar Urges Fewer Diplomatic Fronts

Sa’ar separately acknowledged tensions within Israel’s own government over the conduct of far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir.

“There were times when, yes, Ben Gvir caused us damage,” Sa’ar said, referring to an incident involving Germany’s foreign minister.

Sa’ar said he had urged Ben Gvir to withdraw an attack on the German official because Berlin supports Israel within the European Union.

“There is no need to open a front with everyone,” Sa’ar said, adding that he had failed to persuade Ben Gvir.

The remarks underline the contrast in Sa’ar’s approach: caution toward governments he considers supportive of Israel, while threatening direct retaliation against Britain if London proceeds with measures targeting settlement expansion.