Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar suggested that Israel could retaliate if Britain imposes sanctions over the expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank. In response, British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said in a parliamentary speech that Britain would review its policy within weeks and consider ways to prevent support for new settlements in the West Bank.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar warned that Israel would take retaliatory measures if Britain imposes sanctions against it. Israel has begun construction of approximately 1,200 housing units in the E1 area of eastern Jerusalem, drawing strong condemnation from the international community.
British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband told Parliament that Britain would conduct a comprehensive review of its policy toward Israel within the coming weeks. He also said the government would consider ways to stop British funding for, construction of, and promotion of new settlements in the West Bank.
In an interview with Ynet, Sa'ar said that if Britain took action, Israel would respond with action of its own, warning that Britain could be making a serious mistake.
There is growing concern that the issue could undermine the framework for a two-state solution and make it more difficult over the long term to establish an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The announcement on 21 August of a settlement plan in the E1 area has further intensified international opposition.