Menu
03/12/2012
UK Summons Israeli Ambassador Over Settlement Plans
The British government has called on the Israeli ambassador in London over plans to expand settlement building in Palestinian territories.
The Foreign Office has warned of a "strong reaction", should Israel proceed with the plans.
The UK has dismissed reports in the Israel media that the British ambassador in Tel Aviv could be withdrawn.
The summons came as Israel authorised 3,000 additional housing units, just one day after the UN voted to upgrade Palestinian status.
The move by Israel is regarded by many in the international community as a reaction to the UN vote.
Now Daniel Taub, the country’s ambassador to London, has been called to the Foreign Office for a meeting with minister for the Middle East, Alistair Burt.
A Foreign Office spokesman said: "The Foreign Secretary has consistently made it very clear that settlement building, such as the recent Israeli government decision to build 3,000 new housing units, threatens the two-state solution and makes progress through negotiations harder to achieve.
"We have called on the Israeli government to reconsider. We have told the Israeli government that if they go ahead with their decision, then there will be a strong reaction."
The French government has also joined the UK in expressing displeasure at the settlement announcement.
This latest move by Israel could potentially shake Western governments that have previously been steadfast in their support of Israel.
The country wants to build in E1, east of Jerusalem, which would effectively cut the West Bank in two.
Previous US administrations have been given assurances by Israel that it would not build there.
The spokesman added: "Any decision about any other measures the UK might take will depend on the outcome of our discussions with the Israeli government and with international partners including the US and European Union."
(IT)
The Foreign Office has warned of a "strong reaction", should Israel proceed with the plans.
The UK has dismissed reports in the Israel media that the British ambassador in Tel Aviv could be withdrawn.
The summons came as Israel authorised 3,000 additional housing units, just one day after the UN voted to upgrade Palestinian status.
The move by Israel is regarded by many in the international community as a reaction to the UN vote.
Now Daniel Taub, the country’s ambassador to London, has been called to the Foreign Office for a meeting with minister for the Middle East, Alistair Burt.
A Foreign Office spokesman said: "The Foreign Secretary has consistently made it very clear that settlement building, such as the recent Israeli government decision to build 3,000 new housing units, threatens the two-state solution and makes progress through negotiations harder to achieve.
"We have called on the Israeli government to reconsider. We have told the Israeli government that if they go ahead with their decision, then there will be a strong reaction."
The French government has also joined the UK in expressing displeasure at the settlement announcement.
This latest move by Israel could potentially shake Western governments that have previously been steadfast in their support of Israel.
The country wants to build in E1, east of Jerusalem, which would effectively cut the West Bank in two.
Previous US administrations have been given assurances by Israel that it would not build there.
The spokesman added: "Any decision about any other measures the UK might take will depend on the outcome of our discussions with the Israeli government and with international partners including the US and European Union."
(IT)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 July 2006
Israeli soldier 'could be released'
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has said that an Israeli soldier captured by Hamas-linked militants in June could be released imminently. However, Hamas have reportedly denied the claims. The Israeli army have been conducting an offensive in Gaza since the capture of the solider on June 25.
Israeli soldier 'could be released'
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has said that an Israeli soldier captured by Hamas-linked militants in June could be released imminently. However, Hamas have reportedly denied the claims. The Israeli army have been conducting an offensive in Gaza since the capture of the solider on June 25.
22 March 2004
Killing of Hamas founder condemned by UK government
The 'targeted assassination' of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, the spiritual leader and founder member of the Islamic militant group Hamas, in a missile strike in the Gaza Strip this morning has been condemned by the British government.
Killing of Hamas founder condemned by UK government
The 'targeted assassination' of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, the spiritual leader and founder member of the Islamic militant group Hamas, in a missile strike in the Gaza Strip this morning has been condemned by the British government.
14 August 2006
Clashes continue following Middle East ceasefire
A ceasefire has come into force in Lebanon, following 34 days of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. However, there have been reports of skirmishes between Israeli soldiers and Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon, in which six militants are understood to have been killed.
Clashes continue following Middle East ceasefire
A ceasefire has come into force in Lebanon, following 34 days of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. However, there have been reports of skirmishes between Israeli soldiers and Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon, in which six militants are understood to have been killed.
26 July 2006
Israel accused of ignoring UN warnings
The United Nations has accused Israel of ignoring warnings from peacekeepers in Lebanon before the destruction of a UN observer post, which killed four people. According to a UN report, staff at the post made ten warning calls before the post in the town of Khiam was hit by an Israeli missile, killing four UN observers on Tuesday.
Israel accused of ignoring UN warnings
The United Nations has accused Israel of ignoring warnings from peacekeepers in Lebanon before the destruction of a UN observer post, which killed four people. According to a UN report, staff at the post made ten warning calls before the post in the town of Khiam was hit by an Israeli missile, killing four UN observers on Tuesday.
25 July 2006
Fierce ground fighting in Lebanon
Israeli forces are continuing to fight Hezbollah fighters in ground battles in Lebanon, according to reports. The latest news from the region indicates that fierce ground clashes are continuing in the southern Lebanese town of Bint Jbeil, which is believed to be a Hezbollah stronghold.
Fierce ground fighting in Lebanon
Israeli forces are continuing to fight Hezbollah fighters in ground battles in Lebanon, according to reports. The latest news from the region indicates that fierce ground clashes are continuing in the southern Lebanese town of Bint Jbeil, which is believed to be a Hezbollah stronghold.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
