Bezalel Smotrich Demands Expulsion of British Ambassador Over Impending Sanctions

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich launched a fierce attack on the United Kingdom on Monday evening following reports of impending sanctions, calling for the immediate expulsion of the British ambassador to Israel.

Smotrich stated that Israel would not be a "doormat for an antisemitic government in a country conquered by radical Islam, which is trying to save itself from economic and social decline by attacking Jews and the State of Israel." He added and emphasized that "the British Mandate in the Land of Israel is over."

The Finance Minister's remarks come ahead of sanctions that the UK is expected to officially announce on Tuesday. According to multiple sources and reports, following a lengthy process, London has decided to impose sanctions primarily targeting "companies and individuals" involved in settlement activity in Judea and Samaria, including construction firms.

It also appears that the UK will declare the import of products from Judea and Samaria illegal, though the full details of the sanctions package have not yet been finalized. Previously, the British Department for Business and Trade examined a broader option of suspending the trade partnership agreement with Israel, which grants customs exemptions, but ultimately opted for the targeted sanctions to be published tomorrow. Israel has already promised to respond to the British move, with the Finance Minister's comments marking a significant escalation in Israeli rhetoric toward the United Kingdom.