Netanyahu describes the British government as “rogue” after its measures against settler terrorism

London - Ofoq News - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu escalated his attack on the British government, against the backdrop of the measures taken by London against Israeli settlement and settler terrorism in the West Bank, accusing the Labor government of following a policy that he described as “appeasing Islamic forces,” in conjunction with his talk about thwarting an alleged Iranian plot targeting the British Royal Air Force base in Fairford.

In an interview with the British newspaper "Daily Mail", Netanyahu claimed that Israeli intelligence services warned the British authorities of a plan believed to be supported by Iran to target the Fairford base, claiming that the Israeli warning contributed to thwarting the attack, and noting that Israel had previously provided Britain with security information.

Netanyahu used this issue as an opening to attack British policy towards Israel, especially the measures taken by London in response to the escalation of settler violence and settlement expansion in the West Bank.

In June, Britain imposed sanctions on networks and individuals who finance, support, or carry out acts of violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, including asset freezes and travel restrictions. It also warned British companies against engaging in economic and financial activities in Israeli settlements.

In September, London also announced its intention to impose restrictions on the import of goods produced in Israeli settlements in the West Bank, in a move that the British government said came in the face of accelerating settlement expansion and increasing violence against Palestinians.

Britain also maintained the suspension of more than 30 licenses to export weapons that could be used by the Israeli army in Gaza, and announced the rejection of requests to export weapons or equipment that could contribute substantially to the continuation of the occupation.

These measures come in light of the escalation of settler terrorism and crimes against Palestinians, including attacks on villages and property, arson and displacement. The British government said that the increase in these attacks is in many cases accompanied by a lack of accountability, and called on Israel to protect the Palestinians and pursue settler terrorists.

On the other hand, Netanyahu's critics believe that his focus on Iranian security threats and the attack on the British government comes at a time when Israel is facing increasing international criticism due to settlement policies, settler violence, and military operations in the Palestinian territories.

Netanyahu said that the current British policy represents, from his point of view, an appeasement of Israel's enemies, warning that Britain may lose control of its borders and expressing his regret at the deterioration of relations between the two countries.