UK Sanctions On Israeli Settlements Endanger British Jews

UK government sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank would increase the threat of attacks on British Jews, a Labour MP has warned.

Foreign secretary Ed Miliband will announce the move in a statement to MPs on Tuesday as part of a “reset” of Britain’s relations with Israel.

Goods coming out of the illegal settlements in the West Bank, a Palestinian territory, will subject to trade restrictions as part of the changes.

Tensions in the West Bank have flared in recent months, with Israeli settlers involved in violent disputes with Palestinians.

Miliband’s announcement is expected to trigger an angry response from the Trump administration, as well as from some Labour MPs.

Downing Street hit back on Monday after Mike Huckabee, the US ambassador to Israel, accused the UK government of “Jew hate”.

On Radio 4’s Today programme this morning, Labour MP Peter Prinsley – who is vice-chair of Labour Friends of Israel – said he had already earned Miliband in person about the possible consequences of the British sanctions.

He said: “My fear is that opponents of Israel won’t distinguish between Israeli government policy, Zionistic political philosophy and British Jews.

“As far as they’re concerned, the whole thing’s the same. It carries a real risk of increased chances of attacks on the British Jewish community. That is exactly what I said to Ed Miliband when I was asked to see him two or three nights ago.”

He added: “I think the timing is terrible. I think we need to wait for the result of the Israeli election and then we need another think.”

Israel has already threatened to retaliate if the UK imposes sanctions over the potential expansion of settlements in the West Bank, with foreign minister Gideon Saar warning: “If Britain acts against Israel, Israel will act against Britain.”

Prinsley’s comments echoed those of Jonathan Hall, the independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, who said the government risked “painting a target” on the backs of British Jews.

He told BBC 2’s Newsnight programme: “There is a risk that if you stir the pot by making Israel a pariah state, then that will bring that flame up again.

“I’ve been very worried about delegitimising anyone who’s Israeli certainly and Jews, many of whom support Israel, and painting a bit of a target on their back.”

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