In a most welcome signal to officials in Yerushalayim, British Foreign Secretary William Hague announced on Tuesday, 20 Kislev 5773, that the European Union is not looking into imposing sanctions against Israel at this time.
Israel is coming under mounting criticism and threats for the government’s announced plan to move ahead with constructing 3,000 housing units in areas viewed by the international community as “occupied territories” or “settlements” despite the fact most of the construction is to take place in Jerusalem. In addition, perhaps the real bone of contention for the PA (Palestinian Authority), Israel is also planning to move ahead with its E1 plan, the construction that will eventually connect the French Hill area of the capital with Maale Adumim, a project that has met with sharp US opposition in the past.
Back in Ramallah, PA officials are pleased to see Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu under fire, but officials are trying to manipulate events that the condemnations lead to true sanctions against Israel, aware that simple condemnatory statements may be insufficient to halt the construction this time around.
Finance Minister Dr. Yuval Shteinitz told Israel media that “this time, we must act,” explaining that after all the warnings, the government must do something in response to the PA’s unprecedented defiance of Israel and the United States.
Hague’s statement follows threats from London on Monday that Britain may impose financial sanctions against Israel. It appears, at least for the time being, this is not the case.
“I don’t think there is enthusiasm around the European Union about economic sanctions in Europe on Israel. I don’t believe there would be anywhere near a consensus nor is that our approach. We continue to try to bring both sides back to negotiations,” Hague told parliament.
“Nevertheless, if there is no reversal of the decision that has been announced, we will want to consider what further steps European countries should take,” he said.
Officials in the Prime Minister’s Office are not showing any signs of backing down, apparently adamant in making good on the threat. Officials added that Abu Mazen simply blew the diplomatic process sky high and the decision to seek UN observer status in defiance of Israel will not play out, with the “dire consequences” that Israel promised would follow such a move.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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One Response
Why was there no talk from the EU about sanctions on the PA for their complete defiance of the “peace” process by taking unilateral steps?! Once again the world shows that they can do what they wish and the response only comes when ISRAEL retaliates.