This article is from: srnnews.com
Herzog: UK West Bank Sanctions Would Be ‘Grave Miscalculation’
By The Media Line Staff
Israeli President Isaac Herzog warned Tuesday that expected British trade sanctions targeting Israeli settlements in the West Bank would be a “grave miscalculation,” arguing that the measures would economically harm both Israelis and Palestinians.
UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband is expected to outline the measures in the Commons on Tuesday which could include restrictions on trade in agricultural products from West Bank settlements.
Herzog said sanctions imposed by Britain or other European countries would place them “on the wrong side of history” and amount to “gross interference” in the elections of a sovereign nation.
He also argued that the economic consequences would “directly harm, unfortunately, Palestinians, robbing them of business and employment.”
Ultimately, Herzog said, such measures would “undermine the interests and national security of freedom-loving nations.”
“Sanctions are not a solution,” Herzog said. “Dialogue is.”
“I say to all foreign governments, ‘Stop. Step away from the dead end of sanctions and boycotts and turn towards constructive dialogue and towards cooperation.”
The Israeli government has warned that it would retaliate if sanctions are introduced.
Miliband said last week that he would announce a “comprehensive reset” of the British government’s policy on Israel.
One minister told the BBC that the planned announcement would represent a broader change in relations rather than being limited to potential sanctions.
“The statement will be a complete reset of the nature of our Israel-Palestine relationship. It will all feel very different,” the minister said.
“It is not just about sanctions. We hope that this will finally achieve what those of us who have been working towards for two years over the Middle East have been working on.”
The expected measures come after recent months saw an increase in violence between Israeli settlers and Palestinians in the West Bank.
Brought to you by www.srnnews.com
