London’s possible sanctions against Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria are creating a fresh diplomatic clash with Jerusalem—and Israel is signaling that there may be consequences.
The British Embassy in Israel warned on Friday that removing British representatives from the International Gaza Support Center in Kiryat Gat would damage efforts to stabilize postwar Gaza. The center, led by the United States and involving several international partners, is intended to coordinate humanitarian and reconstruction planning.
But Israel has little reason to accept a country’s help in Gaza while that same country moves to economically punish Jews living in Judea and Samaria.
Reports this week indicated that Jerusalem is considering expelling British personnel from the center in response to London’s proposed measures. Britain is reportedly examining a ban on trade with Israeli communities in the biblical heartland, along with sanctions on individuals connected to them.
The dispute follows Israel’s removal of Dutch representatives from the Kiryat Gat facility. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said the decision answered a series of hostile Dutch actions, including legislation targeting products from Judea and Samaria, eastern Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights.
Several European governments have adopted or considered similar restrictions. They present such measures as limited pressure on “settlements.” In reality, enforcing a trade ban more often than not spills over into a broader boycott, harming Israeli businesses well beyond the targeted areas.
And as has been demonstrated numerous times, most prominently in the case of Sodastream, these measures do the greatest damage to Palestinian Arab workers and businesses whose livelihoods are closely tied to Israeli commerce in Judea and Samaria.
Britain cannot credibly demand a seat at the table for Gaza’s future while treating Israel’s citizens as economic targets. If London chooses sanctions over partnership, it should not be surprised when Israel reassesses the privileges Britain expects to retain.
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