Israeli spokesman criticizes Ed Miliband amid sanctions dispute over West Bank

Ed Miliband was criticized by an Israeli government spokesman, David Mencer, amid a sanctions dispute. Mencer, a former Labour councillor and spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, responded to Miliband's announcement that Britain would ban the import of goods from illegal Israeli settlements. Miliband stated that a 'new approach' to the West Bank was necessary due to Israel's ongoing E1 settlement scheme. Critics have expressed concerns that the ban could lead to a 'de facto boycott' of Israel. UK Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis also stated that the Labour Government's actions could make British Jews feel less safe. Mencer claimed that Miliband and Prime Minister Andy Burnham were acting under domestic political pressures ahead of the Holborn and St Pancras by-election. He described the policy as 'ridiculous' and suggested it was motivated by domestic politics rather than international relations. Mencer stated that British Jews might feel betrayed by Labour and questioned their future in the UK. He further asserted that Miliband is a 'failed figure' and that his actions have made Britain 'irrelevant' in the context of Israeli-Palestinian relations. In response, Miliband expressed respect for Mirvis but disagreed with the assertion that the government is emboldening anti-Semites. Following Miliband's announcement, Israel closed the British consulate in East Jerusalem and banned 11 MPs from entering the country. Miliband expressed regret over Israel's actions but defended the UK's decision to impose the ban.