According to a report by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) on September 2, Israeli Foreign Minister Gilad Alon warned that if Britain imposes sanctions on Israel due to the possibility of Israel expanding settlements in the West Bank, Israel will take retaliatory measures.
UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, in his first speech to Parliament, announced that he would be introducing a “complete reset” of Israel policy within the next few weeks. He stated that government will explore methods for preventing British companies from “providing financing, construction or advertising support for new Jewish settlements on the West Bank of the Jordan River.”
"In this regard, Giddeon Shlomo addressed Ynet in an interview stating: "If the United Kingdom acts against Israel, Israel will act against the United Kingdom. He further asserted: "I believe that if they do so, I think it is a grave error."
When asked about his concerns regarding the prospects of sanctions, Sal emphasized that Israel would respond, and accused any British measures of being politically motivated. He said, “The British government is systematically targeting Israel. It has damaged our defense exports to Britain, and has imposed sanctions on Israeli ministers. What drives it is domestic politics, and there will be a Labour Party conference at the end of this month.”
When asked how Israel would respond, Sal refused to give details. He simply said, “We have the means. I say this clearly and without any ambiguity. If they take action, I believe they will make a major mistake. The consequences will be completely opposite to what they might hope for.”
Last month, Israel launched a tender for the construction of about 1,200 new settlement houses in the so-called “E1 Area” (a strategically important region east of Jerusalem). This plan has sparked widespread condemnation from the international community. It is reported that this development project will actually split the West Bank into two parts, dividing Palestinian land and isolating the eastern part of Jerusalem.
Milliband said that the plan “violates international law,” calling it a “brave move across the red line, as it will cut off the hinterland of the West Bank and could make it impossible for a Palestinian state to be established.” British Prime Minister Tony Blair also warned that Israel’s statements regarding Area E1 could “endanger or even destroy” the “two-state solution” in the Middle East.
The “Two-State Solution” proposal, which has wide international support, aims to establish an independent Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its capital, coexisting with Israel. According to international law, all settlements are illegal. Under international pressure, Israel has delayed construction plans in this area for decades.
Israel refuses the two-state solution, while the Palestinian Authority supports it. The BBC states that Hamas opposes the two-state solution because it does not recognize the existence of Israel.
