LIVERPOOL, England, Sept 22 (Reuters) – Britain will remain alert and constantly reassessing the likelihood of adding more punitive measures against Israeli settlers in the West Bank as declared by the foreign minister, David Lammy, on Sunday. Lammy also criticised measures that cause regional tensions, indicating that the United Kingdom is ready to act if needed.

Lammy’s comments follow that in the same year, Britain had already boycotted and sanctioned Israeli settlers prior in February and May, arguing that settlers engaged in acts of terror against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. These were among the measures taken by the international community in efforts to check escalating violence and insecurity in the area.

Lammy was elected as an MP in July after the Labour Party triumph; however, he has been very assertive concerning the events in the occupied West Bank. He expressed his opinion that the current government, like previous ones, would continue the policy of economic sanctions and did not exclude further escalations. 

‘While it is understandable that Israel has genuine security interests in the West Bank, we are apprehensive by the evolving conduct and worsening situation,’ Lammy said. “I want to clarify: if the situation demands action, we will act as the situation demands.”

Lammy also pointed out that further sanctions decisions by Britain are currently “under close review”. He also stressed that talks with other partners, including G7 members and European partners, are still underway. “I am not proclaiming more sanctions today, but as you would expect, this is under observation, and, to be honest with you, I am apprehensive,” he said.(More)

The previous waves of sanctions were directed at individuals, as well as those allegedly involved in the attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank extreme organisations. These actions were perceived as part of broader international efforts to rein in settler aggression and bring order in a volatile area.

Relations between Israeli settlers and Palestinians have been a particularly sore subject, with many incidents of aggression and clashes. Though the international community regards Israeli settlements in the West Bank as unlawful, Israel categorically denies this assertion. Different international organisations, including the United Nations, have deplored the increase in civilisation encroachment and acts of aggression by settlers.

While defending security measures in the West Bank, Israel’s government has come under rising domestic and international scrutiny over its response to settler violence. Recent weeks have witnessed an increase in incidents that have further escalated existing tensions between the Israelis and the Palestinians in the region.

The sentiments of Lammy can be understood in light of the UK government’s standing for a proportionate approach where it acknowledges Israel’s security concerns but also refuses to disregard actions that are exacerbating the situation. While the situation in the West Bank is expected to be observed closely by the international community, the British interest stays somewhat tentative, with the possibility of further sanctions in case the situation deteriorates.

These threats of further sanctions by the UK convey diplomatic pressure on Israel to counter violence in the West Bank and look for non-violent ways to solve the conflict.