Insiders: Netanyahu orders evacuation of settler outposts

The United Kingdom has imposed new sanctions targeting imports from Jewish settlements in the West Bank, marking a significant shift in its approach toward Israel. British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband addressed Parliament on Tuesday, announcing the measures as part of a broader policy aimed at addressing what he described as "ethnic cleansing" by "settler terrorists" in parts of the West Bank. Miliband expressed deep shame over the situation in Palestine, stating that the people of Gaza have endured "death, destruction, and dehumanization on an alarming scale" over the past three years. He called the ongoing conflict a "blemish on the conscience of the world." The sanctions include a ban on importing goods from settlements deemed unlawful under international law. Additionally, the UK government plans to take action against specific companies and individuals providing services such as housing construction, infrastructure, financing, and real estate for the expansion of these settlements. Advertising for properties in illegal settlements will also be prohibited within the UK. Miliband emphasized that the sanctions target the Israeli government specifically, not the Israeli population. As a proud British Jew, he acknowledged his gratitude to Israel for giving his grandmother a home while reaffirming his unwavering support for Israel. He also referenced the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, and stated that this support does not contradict his backing for the State of Palestine. These sanctions were anticipated following earlier announcements in July regarding potential import restrictions from settlements. A recent YouGov survey indicated that 50 percent of British citizens approve of such sanctions, with only 16 percent opposing them. Support spans across political lines, including voters from the left-wing Greens to supporters of the right-wing Reform UK party. The decision has drawn criticism from Israeli officials. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar warned that if Britain takes action against Israel, Israel will retaliate, imposing entry bans on ten British officials. Right-wing Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich demanded the immediate expulsion of the British ambassador in Israel. Within the UK, there is controversy surrounding the sanctions, with some members of the Conservative Party opposing them and expressing concerns about possible anti-Semitic incidents. For the UK government, the primary concern lies in the geopolitical repercussions of these sanctions, particularly how the pro-Israel administration in Washington might react. This comes amid tensions with the Trump administration, which has often used political disputes as justification for taking firm stands. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly ordered the dismantling of approximately 100 unauthorized settler outposts in the West Bank, responding to U.S. pressure to curb settler attacks on Palestinians. These outposts, constructed without official approval, typically consist of prefabricated containers and house a small number of settlers. Some have been previously demolished by the state, while others have received formal recognition and access to government funding. According to Israeli media outlet Ynet, the directive affects around 100 such outposts. The total number of outposts and recognized settlements in the region amounts to more than 480, according to the government-critical organization Peace Now. Most countries and UN agencies classify all Israeli settlements as illegal under international law, viewing the West Bank as occupied territory under military control. Israel argues that the area is disputed, not occupied. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee recently visited a Palestinian town in the West Bank amid rising settler violence, condemning the perpetrators as "terrorists" who should face severe consequences. He emphasized the importance of continuing pressure on those responsible for harmful actions, noting that such behavior negatively impacts both local populations and the broader region.