Israel retaliates against the UK

Israeli Foreign Minister Saar held a press conference following the UK's announcement of sanctions against illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank. Announcing that they had decided to take a series of measures in response to the UK's decisions with the approval of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Saar stated, "The UK's steps are morally wrong and are a clear interference in the affairs and electoral process of a sovereign state."

Accusing the UK of trying to force Israel to act against its own national and security interests, Saar said, "You will not succeed in harming us. You will only harm yourselves and the influence you possess. Also, do not forget that these measures will directly harm the Palestinians. Tens of thousands of Palestinian workers employed in our settlements will be affected by this. The Palestinian Authority, which stands behind such initiatives, will not be exempt from this either."

Listing the sanctions Israel will implement in response to the UK's steps, Saar announced that the UK's consulate in East Jerusalem will be closed, British representatives at the International Gaza Support Center in Kiryat Gat will be expelled, and British activities aimed at training Palestinian Authority forces in the West Bank as part of the British Support Team in Ramallah will be terminated.

Saar further stated, "The fourth step is banning the entry into Israel of 12 British officials, British citizens who participate in anti-Israel activities, and those who deny Israel's existence. The UK initiated and led this effort. However, we will take countermeasures at our own discretion against other countries that act or will act against Israel."

The Israeli press listed the 12 officials banned from entering Israel as members of parliament Jeremy Corbyn, Zarah Sultana, Naz Shah, Diane Abbott, Hannah Spencer, Carla Denyer, Sian Berry, Ellie Chowns, John McDonnell, Richard Burgon, Adrian Ramsay, and Riverway to the Sea Director Fahad Ansari.