Prominent Israelis have expressed support for UK sanctions targeting Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, describing the measures as a necessary response to escalating violence and settlement expansion. The sanctions, announced by Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, were welcomed by former prime minister Ehud Olmert, former military commander Dan Halutz, and other high-profile figures, who called the move an 'inevitable consequence' of Israeli government and security failures.

The joint statement signed by these individuals argued that the sanctions were directed against 'Jewish terrorists' rather than the state of Israel itself, rejecting claims of antisemitism. 'There is no basis to the [Israeli] government’s response that the decision to impose sanctions against Jewish terrorists is an expression of antisemitism,' the statement read. However, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar criticized the move as 'blatant interference' in domestic affairs, while opposition politicians suggested Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might use the sanctions to bolster his re-election campaign.

The sanctions, which could target companies financing settlement expansion, are expected to affect Israel’s main banks and insurance firms, which may face a choice between their UK business interests and those in occupied Palestine. The value of goods exported from occupied territories to Britain last year was only $45m, according to Israel’s Foreign Trade Administration, suggesting the economic impact could be limited. However, the measures are seen as a significant step in pressuring Israel to halt settlement expansion, which has drawn widespread international condemnation.

Support for the sanctions was also voiced by former Knesset speaker Avraham Burg, who praised Miliband for setting a 'global example.' Meanwhile, 14 Israeli human rights organizations welcomed the move, calling it an 'important and necessary first step' to meet states’ legal obligations. They urged the international community to take further action to prevent Israel from enabling settlement expansion, forced displacement, and ethnic cleansing in the West Bank.

Despite the support, some Israeli political analysts argue the sanctions are unlikely to significantly affect the upcoming October election, as voters are more focused on domestic issues. Dahlia Scheindlin, a leading political analyst, noted that Israeli public opinion has become 'much more inward-looking and provincial,' with many Israelis viewing international criticism as evidence of antisemitism or support for Netanyahu’s policies. The UK’s move, she said, is unlikely to change the electoral landscape.

What remains unclear is the long-term impact of the sanctions on settlement expansion and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While some Israelis and international observers see the measures as a positive step, others warn that without broader political will, the occupation and violence may continue. The response from Israeli officials and the public remains divided, with no clear consensus on the effectiveness or necessity of the sanctions.