US warns Britain / Washington threatens economic measures if London restricts products from Israeli settlements

The United States could take measures against the United Kingdom if the government in London introduces trade restrictions on products originating from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, the US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, warned. Potential British sanctions could also affect British companies operating in the US market.

Huckabee told the BBC that Washington would react “without a doubt” if London proceeded with its plans. The measures could be adopted both at the federal level and by some US states, including by limiting British firms’ access to certain markets.

The British government is set to announce the restrictions in the House of Commons. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has criticized the expansion of Israeli settlements and is preparing a “comprehensive reset” of London’s policy toward Israel. Agricultural products could be among those targeted.

The dispute also centers on the E1 project, where Israel has launched tenders for approximately 1,200 homes intended for settlers. The area, located between East Jerusalem and Maale Adumim, could affect the territorial continuity needed for a future Palestinian state and the two-state solution.

The West Bank has been occupied by Israel since 1967, and the International Court of Justice has deemed Israel’s continued presence in the occupied Palestinian territories illegal and reaffirmed the illegality of the settlements.

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