While Israel's new government is struggling to see the light after two years of snap elections and coalition talks, Israeli main competitors had made lots of tempting promises to their supporters to ensure getting their votes; and annexing parts of the West Bank was an important one.
127 British politicians demand UK impose sanctions on Israel in the event of annexation of occupied Palestinian territory https://t.co/2mB5u5Smv8
— Joseph Willits (@josephwillits) May 1, 2020
See the Guardian's coverage of the letter from former Cabinet members, ministers, diplomats, MPs & Peers. https://t.co/eklQwwxDMF pic.twitter.com/yLPaIecMds
Weeks after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his political rival Benny Gantz agreed to form a ruling coalition, eyes are set on the new government's plans to be implemented once formed, including Netanyahu's promise to annex parts of the West Bank, which he and the majority of the right-wing he represents call Judea and Samaria.
The alarming promise, to take over one more chunk of the territory allocated to the future Palestinian state according to international law, has pushed about 130 British politicians and MPs to sign a petition. This petition calls on the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to impose economic sanctions against Israel, if its government does indeed annex any new territory, as it will further hinder the peace process in the Middle East.
127 current & ex-officials urge the UK gov't to take a lead, uphold int'l law & sanction israel over its move to illegally annex Palestinian land https://t.co/6TjAUlrlRm
— Sarah Wilkinson (@swilkinsonbc) May 2, 2020
According to the letter put together by the Council for Arab British Understanding (Caabu), the annexation would be "a clear violation of international law." The letter also highlights that sanctions would be an appropriate response; similar to the British action taken against Russia after its annexation of Crimea back in the spring of 2014.
Yet, analysts note that the UK could be hesitant to take such strict action against Israel, considering how strong the pro-Israeli lobby is in the country and its financial support of several British political parties.
