On Israeli sanctions, Trump strikes an unusually restrained tone

Live updates

1. 3d ago

   Trump Administration Maintains Muted Tone as UK Sanctions Israeli Settlements

   The United Kingdom has banned trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, leading several European nations to implement similar trade restrictions. While Israel reacted with fury, the Trump administration has offered a rare muted response and did not oppose the British measures. This shift has drawn support from eight Muslim states, including the UAE, and some senior UK rabbis, though the move has divided the British Jewish community and sparked warnings that it may benefit Israeli right-wing factions.

   Why it matters

   The UK's decision to spearhead these sanctions marks a break from previous U.S. policy and increases Israel's international isolation. These restrictions target economic activity in the West Bank to pressure Israel over settlement expansion. The diplomatic tension is compounded by internal UK debates regarding Israel's contributions to the NHS.

   What is confirmed

   • The UK government has banned trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
   • European nations have implemented trade restrictions against Israeli settlements.
   • The Trump administration did not oppose the UK sanctions on Israeli settlements.
   • Israel reacted with fury to the UK sanctions.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Hamas praised Miliband over the Israel sanctions.

   What to watch next

   • The specific scope of the UK's boycott and how it impacts NHS-related contributions.
   Sources used for this update (24)

   1. BBC — UK expected to announce sanctions on Israeli settlements in occupied West Bank
   2. Axios — Trump didn't oppose UK sanctions on Israeli settlements
   3. The New York Times — Europe Unites to Pressure Israel, Breaking With U.S.
   4. theguardian.com — Senior UK rabbis come out in support of sanctions on Israeli settlements
   5. Reuters — Britain must 'stand against injustice' over West Bank settlements, PM Burnham says
   6. The New York Times — Why Israel Reacted With Fury to U.K. Sanctions on West Bank Settlements
   7. The Times of Israel — 8 Muslim states, including UAE, call for countries to follow UK in sanctioning settlements
   8. AP News — UK government defends decision to ban trade with Israeli settlements
   9. The Jerusalem Post — Israel's retaliation against UK likely made Britain 'wince,' Elliott Abrams says
   10. Politico — Why the US is staying so measured about allies’ sanctions on Israeli settlements
   11. The Hill — Israeli isolation grows as Britain spearheads new ban on trade with settlements
   12. Financial Times — Israel’s hapless British defenders
   confidence 90%