Miliband rejects chief rabbi’s claim that West Bank sanctions put UK Jews at risk
Summary
The UK government, led by Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, announced new sanctions against Israeli settlements in the West Bank, viewing them as illegal and harmful to peace efforts. The UK’s chief rabbi warned these sanctions might make British Jews feel less safe, but Miliband disagreed, saying it is possible to oppose the Israeli government's actions while fighting antisemitism.Key Facts
- The UK imposed trade sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank, which it considers illegal.
- These measures were coordinated with France, Canada, and nine other countries.
- The government sees settlement expansion as threatening a future Palestinian state.
- Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis called the sanctions a “dark day” for British Jews and expressed safety concerns.
- Ed Miliband, the UK Foreign Secretary, rejected the chief rabbi’s warning, saying opposing Israeli government actions is not antisemitic.
- Israel responded by closing the British consulate in Jerusalem and banning some British officials and activists from entering.
- The US government said it would not follow the UK’s sanctions but expressed concern about West Bank stability.
- The UK government plans bans on imports, arms exports, services related to settlements, and sanctions on people involved in settlement expansion.
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