Attorneys General from 13 US States Threaten UK and Netherlands over Israel Sanctions
World
Thirteen Republican attorneys general in the United States have warned the United Kingdom and the Netherlands of potential economic consequences over planned restrictions targeting Israeli settlements. In a letter dated November 9, they said they were prepared to pursue retaliatory measures through federal authorities and state legislation.
According to the Washington Free Beacon, the letter was sent to the British and Dutch ambassadors in Washington. The initiative was led by Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird and supported by representatives from 13 states. They urged London and The Hague to rescind or suspend trade sanctions against Israel or any part of it.
The signatories argued that the European restrictions could harm American businesses. Potential responses include seeking action through the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and invoking state laws restricting cooperation with companies involved in or supporting boycotts of Israel. According to the attorneys general, such measures could affect British and Dutch citizens' access to certain goods, services and technologies.
The letter also claims that the European restrictions align with the objectives of Hamas and Hezbollah. The signatories argue that the measures affect not only Israel but also American economic interests.
The warning follows decisions by the European governments. In September, British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced an expansion of the sanctions framework targeting activities linked to Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The Netherlands is also planning restrictions against extremist settlers and organisations supporting them.
Israel responded with diplomatic measures. In September, it announced the closure of the British consulate in Jerusalem and the expulsion of several diplomats. It subsequently announced the withdrawal of diplomatic status from Dutch representatives working with the Palestinian National Authority.
The dispute over sanctions against Israeli settlements has therefore extended beyond bilateral relations, becoming part of the wider transatlantic agenda. The US attorneys general have not yet announced the implementation of specific retaliatory measures.
The signatories argued that the European restrictions could harm American businesses. Potential responses include seeking action through the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and invoking state laws restricting cooperation with companies involved in or supporting boycotts of Israel. According to the attorneys general, such measures could affect British and Dutch citizens' access to certain goods, services and technologies.
The letter also claims that the European restrictions align with the objectives of Hamas and Hezbollah. The signatories argue that the measures affect not only Israel but also American economic interests.
The warning follows decisions by the European governments. In September, British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced an expansion of the sanctions framework targeting activities linked to Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The Netherlands is also planning restrictions against extremist settlers and organisations supporting them.
Israel responded with diplomatic measures. In September, it announced the closure of the British consulate in Jerusalem and the expulsion of several diplomats. It subsequently announced the withdrawal of diplomatic status from Dutch representatives working with the Palestinian National Authority.
The dispute over sanctions against Israeli settlements has therefore extended beyond bilateral relations, becoming part of the wider transatlantic agenda. The US attorneys general have not yet announced the implementation of specific retaliatory measures.
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