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UK Lords Committee Calls to Limit ‘Israeli’ Economic Access if WB Annexation Goes Ahead

UK Lords Committee Calls to Limit ‘Israeli’ Economic Access if WB Annexation Goes Ahead
folder_openEurope... access_time3 years ago
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By Staff, Agencies

The Chairwoman of the International Relations and Defense Committee in the United Kingdom’s House of Lords questioned whether the ‘Israeli’ entity should continue to receive preferential access to the UK market if the plan for annexing West Bank territory, as laid out in the incoming unity government's coalition agreement, proceeds.

In a letter addressed to Minister of State James Cleverly, Baronness Joyce Anelay expressed concern about the deal between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White Chairman Benny Gantz to apply the so-called ‘Israeli’ sovereignty to the West Bank, raising that annexation of occupied territory constitutes a violation of international law.

Should annexation be implemented, Anelay asked whether there would be consequences for ‘Israel’ in its trade with the United Kingdom.

She referenced a 2017 International Relations Committee report, whose conclusions, she said, remain valid.

The letter added that the UK government should be straightforward in expressing this opinion, "despite the views of the US administration. In the absence of US leadership, it is time for the Europeans to play a more active role."

"The UK should be ready to support UNSC resolutions condemning those actions in no uncertain terms." It added that the country should consider recognizing a Palestinian state.

Anelay then posed questions for Cleverly. First, she sought reassurance that the UK's position on the matter has not changed, and that it will not recognize any changes to the status quo.

Finally, she asked that if ‘Israel’ should proceed, "What would be the consequences for its preferential access to the UK market, as set out in the UK-‘Israel’ trade and partnership agreement? How would the UK distinguish between legal and illegal products in order to provide preferential access only for legal exports to the UK?"

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