Paul Adams: British-Israeli relations at lowest ebb in decades
British-Israeli relations have reached a historic low following the UK's decision, alongside 11 other nations, to ban trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The move follows the International Court of Justice's ruling that the occupation is unlawful, prompting a sharp diplomatic backlash from Israel.
Why it matters
This diplomatic shift marks a significant change in international policy toward the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, signaling increased global pressure regarding the legality of settlements.
Figure caption, Watch: There is ethnic cleansing in areas of the West Bank, says Miliband
Israel's furious response to the British government's decision to ban trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank testifies to just how important this moment is.
Britain took the brunt of Israel's anger, but the fact that 12 countries chose to move together clearly sharpened the sense of outrage.
Officials in London always knew that such a dramatic shift in policy towards Israel-Palestine was going to elicit a hostile response, but seemed taken aback by the speed and ferocity of Israel's reaction.
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