<p class="wp-block-paragraph">British Prime Minister <span style="white-space: normal;"><a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/andy-burnham/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Andy Burnham</a></span> has initiated a campaign against Israeli settlers in the West Bank, with the United Kingdom imposing trade sanctions on Israeli settlements. This action is attributed to what the UK government describes as "unprecedented levels of settler violence and settlement expansion" and the potential threat to a future two-state solution.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Burnham stated that the sanctions, which have been adopted by at least 11 other countries, including France and Poland, represent an opportunity for Britain to demonstrate moral leadership globally. He emphasized the need for Britain to stand for fairness and support those being intimidated.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The countries adopting the sanctions include Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the U.K. They have committed to introducing national and/or supporting European restrictions on trade in goods with settlements deemed illegal under international law unless the Israeli government ceases the expansion of settlements and ensures accountability for settler violence.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Israeli government has reacted strongly, ordering the closure of the British consulate within 30 days. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar criticized the sanctions as "morally distorted" and accused the UK of interfering in Israel's sovereignty.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Israel is preparing for parliamentary elections in late October, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeking to maintain his position. The situation has further strained relations between Israel and Europe, especially following the formal recognition of a Palestinian state by several countries last year.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A report from <em>Axios</em> indicated that when Burnham informed former President Trump about the sanctions, Trump did not express opposition. The White House has not commented on the sanctions, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating that the administration is aware of the decision but does not intend to take similar actions.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Rubio expressed concerns about potential destabilization in the West Bank and emphasized the need for stability in the region. He noted that the U.S. does not plan to follow the UK's lead regarding sanctions.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Settler violence against Palestinians has been a significant issue, with the United Nations reporting an average of six attacks per day this year. Netanyahu has downplayed the severity of the issue, referring to the violence as the actions of a small group.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has voiced opposition to the sanctions, suggesting they reflect an anti-Israel bias. Huckabee has previously acknowledged the violence by some Israeli settlers but maintains that they represent a minority. He questioned why the UK is not imposing sanctions on other countries with significant human rights issues.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The relationship between the UK and Israel appears to be deteriorating, with Burnham yet to meet with Netanyahu amid the rising tensions. Polls indicate that Netanyahu's coalition has a slight edge in the upcoming elections, but neither side is projected to secure a majority.</p>