Britain's Labour government intends to announce a series of measures against Israel, Israel Hayom has learned, and Jerusalem has already prepared a response. The measures are expected to follow pledges by newly installed British Prime Minister Andy Burnham to adopt a tougher approach toward Israel.
In Jerusalem, officials are convinced the move is driven not by foreign-policy considerations but by Burnham's domestic political needs ahead of the Labour Party conference, which is scheduled to convene on Sept. 27. Shortly after taking office following Keir Starmer's departure, Burnham promised his party's anti-Israel left wing that he would pursue a significantly tougher policy toward Israel than his predecessor.
Among the justifications cited in London are violence by rioters against Palestinians in Judea and Samaria, which British officials say has not received an adequate response from the Israeli government; the advancement of construction plans in the E1 area between Jerusalem and Maaleh Adumim; and what Israeli officials describe as false claims that Israel is refusing to allow supplies into the Gaza Strip.
A cycle of retaliatory blows
British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband leveled what Israeli officials described as false accusations against Israel over the weekend regarding the failure to deliver medicines and medical supplies into Gaza. According to Miliband, the claims were based on "conversations with people," although Israeli officials say they contradict even UN reports.
Israel Hayom has learned that the expected measures are likely to include a declaration of intent to boycott goods produced in Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria; personal sanctions against individuals among the settler population whose names have been linked to violent acts against Palestinians; similar sanctions against activists and organizations opposing the entry of aid into the Gaza Strip; and, apparently, a policy statement regarding the legality of Israeli control in Judea and Samaria and Gaza.
Largely declarative, for now
According to diplomatic sources, at this stage most or all of the measures are expected to amount to declarations of intent. Such steps require regulatory and legal frameworks and are therefore unlikely to be implemented before a new Israeli government is formed.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar directly accused Britain of attempting to interfere in Israel's elections by escalating sanctions, making clear that any such measures would be met with a forceful Israeli response.
Based on previous Israeli responses, Jerusalem is expected to distance Britain from involvement in international arrangements concerning Gaza and other diplomatic fronts. The confrontation is expected to intensify, in part because Britain is drawing the European Union and countries including Australia and Canada in its wake. A diplomatic source predicted a cycle of "retaliatory blows" and deteriorating relations.
