US Warns of Retaliation as UK Prepares to Ban Trade with Israeli Settlements

British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband is set to announce a ban on the trade of goods and certain services from Israeli settlements, a move that marks a sharp shift in the UK’s policy after last month’s condemnation of Israel’s new housing plans in the E1 area east of Jerusalem. Ahead of the announcement, U. S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said Washington could retaliate, suggesting that individual U. S. states—particularly Florida—might take trade action against Britain. Florida Congressman Randy Fine warned that sanctions would effectively bar any British company forced to comply from doing business with Florida state or local governments. The comments are expected to unsettle British exporters already navigating a fragile U. S. trade relationship. Israel has not yet responded, but Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar warned that Israel would retaliate if Britain acts against the state of Israel. The UK‑US diplomatic tension is likely to intensify as the sanctions roll out.