US State Attorneys General Threaten UK With Trade Retaliation Over Israel Sanctions

OPA WIRE, Nov 11 (OPA) — The warning arrived in a letter addressed to Sir Christian Turner, the UK ambassador to the US, led by Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird. The group of 13 Republican chief legal officers threatened to ban British companies from lucrative US contracts and withdraw investments from UK firms. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced the contested sanctions package in September, accusing the Israeli government of ignoring the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians by West Bank settlers.

The letter claimed the restrictions risked damaging American companies and undermining Israeli sovereignty. The attorneys general wrote that the sanctions aligned the UK with the policy objectives of groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. They added that the measures could disqualify British firms from contracting with their states or require local governments to divest from UK entities.

The Netherlands also faced threats of similar penalties in the diplomatic correspondence after enacting comparable measures against West Bank settlements. The diplomatic clash comes amid strained relations between Washington and London, exacerbated by trade tariffs implemented under US President Donald Trump and ongoing tensions regarding Iran. Recent polling indicates a decline in American perception of the UK as a vital strategic partner.

West Bank settlements remain illegal under international law, though hardline Israeli ministers continue to support expansion plans. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously condemned violent acts by extremist settlers. The UK government maintained that restrictions target those involved in rights abuses, while Downing Street faces mounting pressure to mend diplomatic ties with Washington.