UK vows anti-settler measures as Israel warns of retaliation

Britain's foreign secretary vowed a tough response on Tuesday to "appalling" violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. Israel warned it would retaliate against the UK if Britain follows through with sanctions over the settler violence.

What anti-settler measures has the UK announced?

British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband told parliament that Britain would not acquiesce in the destruction of the two-state solution. He said the world had witnessed appalling settler terrorism and Palestinians driven from their homes, and pledged a comprehensive reset of UK policy with detailed measures to follow in the coming weeks.

How has Israel responded to the UK's warning?

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on a podcast that Israel would act against Britain if it acted against the Israeli state. He did not specify how Israel would retaliate, though reports suggest it has considered expelling diplomats. Saar also accused London of meddling in Israel's October 27 election.

What settlement expansion is driving the tension?

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing allies have ramped up support for settlements ahead of closely fought elections. Miliband singled out the E1 development plan, under which more than 1,200 settler homes were approved last year, calling it a red line that cuts through the West Bank's heart. He said the project risks making a Palestinian state unviable.

What economic measures is Britain considering?

Miliband said Britain was reviewing its wider economic relationship with the occupied territories and did not want British companies financing, constructing or advertising new settlements. His predecessor's government had already sanctioned six entities and one person in June over settler violence financing, in coordination with other Western countries. Israel has resisted any distinction between goods from Israel and settlement goods, which are considered illegal under international law.

How widespread is settler violence in the West Bank?

More than 500,000 Israelis live in West Bank settlements alongside three million Palestinians, in territory Israel has occupied since 1967. Extremist settlers have carried out increasingly brazen attacks, including land seizures and crop destruction. On Tuesday, settlers tried to set fire to a mosque in the northern West Bank, marking what Palestinian officials called the 13th such desecration this year.