U.S. Ambassador to the UK Huckabee said the United States could respond to London’s expected sanctions plan targeting Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Huckabee also accused the UK Labour government of discriminating against Israel.
Huckabee likened the UK’s sanctions decision to “throwing a stone without considering where it will land.” He said the UK could take whatever step it wanted as a sovereign country, adding that the United States was also sovereign.
Huckabee argued that a possible U.S. response could take the form of state-level measures, claiming that some states could ban British companies from operating there. He said such a step could have a major impact on the companies.
The UK’s West Bank plan
UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband is expected to announce measures targeting Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The plan may not impose financial restrictions on specific individuals or companies, but it could ban trade with companies operating in the settlements.
Miliband had previously described the E1 settlement project, which has been characterized as aiming to isolate East Jerusalem and separate the northern and southern parts of the West Bank, as a clear violation of international law.
Miliband said measures to counter the seizure of Palestinian land were being discussed within the government and with allies, adding that further statements on the issue could be made in the coming weeks.