Israel warns it will retaliate if UK imposes sanctions
Israel has threatened retaliation against the UK if the British government imposes sanctions over planned settlement expansions in the West Bank. The UK government, led by Ed Miliband, is reviewing policies to curb financing for these settlements, which are considered illegal under international law.
Why it matters
This diplomatic tension highlights the growing international friction regarding the two-state solution and Israeli settlement policies.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar's comments came shortly after his British counterpart promised a "comprehensive reset" of policy on Israel
Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has warned his country will retaliate if the UK imposes sanctions against it over the potential expansion of settlements in the West Bank.
Addressing Parliament for the first time as foreign secretary, Ed Miliband said he would introduce a "comprehensive reset" of policy on Israel "in the coming weeks".
He said the government would examine how to stop UK companies "financing, constructing or advertising new settlements" in the occupied West Bank.
Responding, Gideon Saar told Hebrew-language news website Ynet: "If Britain acts against Israel, Israel will act against Britain."
"If they act, I think they will be making a big mistake," he said.
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