JERUSALEM: Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has warned that Israel will retaliate if Britain imposes sanctions over settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, escalating tensions between the two governments.
Speaking to Israeli outlet Ynet, Sa’ar accused Britain’s Labour government of systematically acting against Israel, citing restrictions affecting defence exports and previous sanctions against Israeli ministers.
“If Britain acts against Israel, Israel will act against Britain,” Sa’ar said, adding that Israeli authorities were preparing for possible British measures.
Britain sanctioned Israeli ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich in June 2025, accusing them of repeatedly inciting violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank.
E1 Settlement Plan Deepens UK-Israel Dispute
The latest confrontation centres on Israel’s planned E1 settlement expansion, which would connect occupied East Jerusalem with Ma’ale Adumim and other settlements.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy told MPs that London would announce a “comprehensive” sanctions package in the coming weeks, warning that the E1 project risked making a future Palestinian state unviable.
Meanwhile, Sa’ar rejected Britain’s position and said Israel would defend its interests rather than remain a “passive victim.”
Israel Reportedly Considers Diplomatic and Economic Response
Israeli newspaper Ma’ariv reported that officials were considering diplomatic, economic and other retaliatory measures, although no final decision had been reached.
One option reportedly under consideration involves removing British officials from the US-led International Gaza Support Centre. Israel previously took similar action against Dutch and Spanish representatives following disputes with their governments.
Furthermore, Ma’ariv reported that Washington was conveying messages between Israel and Britain while urging London to reconsider the proposed sanctions.
The UK and much of the international community consider Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank illegal under international law. Israel disputes legal arguments concerning the settlements.
