Israel vows retaliation over potential UK sanctions

Israel has warned Britain it will retaliate if the UK imposes sanctions over plans to expand Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar told Israeli news website Ynet, “If Britain acts against Israel, Israel will act against Britain,” describing potential British action as a “big mistake.”

According to BBC is comments followed British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband’s announcement of a “comprehensive reset” of UK policy towards Israel. Miliband said Britain would examine measures to prevent UK companies from financing, constructing or advertising new settlements.

The dispute follows Israel’s plans for about 1,200 settlement homes in the strategically significant E1 area east of Jerusalem, which critics say could undermine the prospects of a viable Palestinian state.