JC Israel Briefing Day 593: UK suspends trade negotiations with Israel

Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer also summoned Israeli Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely to the Foreign Office and warned: “The UK will not stand by” as operations expand in Gaza and West Bank settler violence intensifies.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry responded by accusing London of acting out of “anti-Israel obsession and domestic political considerations”. Ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein said on X: “If… the British government is willing to harm the British economy — that is its own prerogative.”

He added: “The British Mandate ended exactly 77 years ago. External pressure will not divert Israel from its path in defending its existence and security.”

On the UK’s new settler sanctions, the ministry wrote: “Unjustified and regrettable, especially at a time when Israel is mourning yet another victim of Palestinian terror — Tzeela Gez, of blessed memory… Doctors continue fighting for her newborn’s life in hospital.”

The European Union also said it was reviewing its cooperation deal with Israel over possible Gaza violations. A majority of foreign ministers backed the decision. Sweden’s foreign minister pushed for individual sanctions. The EU has warned of trade consequences if humanitarian obligations are not met.

In other diplomatic news, Israel’s decision to recall senior negotiators from Doha for consultations has devastated hopes among hostage families that a breakthrough was close. The Prime Minister’s Office said Israel had accepted the latest American proposal — which follows the Witkoff framework — and accused Hamas of clinging to its refusal.

Steve Witkoff, the US’s Middle East envoy, has helped channel mediation via Qatari and Egyptian interlocutors. The proposal, which Israel claims it supports, centres on a phased release of hostages and a monitored cessation of hostilities.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which represents the relatives of abductees, condemned Netanyahu’s decision to withdraw key personnel. “Every hour that passes without negotiations diminishes the chances of our loved ones returning home,” the forum said.

“The framework currently on the table could bring our loved ones home, end the cycle of violence, and establish significant regional agreements.” It warned that the moment was historic and that “the war must end.”

Elsewhere, a soldier was killed yesterday in southern Gaza. He was named as Danilo Mocanu, aged 20, from Holon. The IDF said he died after an explosive device caused a building to collapse. Another soldier was lightly injured.

Another soldier, killed earlier this week, in northern Gaza died as a result of friendly fire, the IDF has confirmed. Yosef Yehuda Chirak was fatally shot during tunnel clearance operations. An investigation is underway.

The first large-scale UN aid convoy entered Gaza yesterday as Israel eased its blockade under international pressure. More than 100 trucks were permitted to cross following calls by the US, EU, and Arab states. The deliveries included baby food and other essentials. Israeli approval followed a petition by the rights group Gisha and weeks of logistical blockage. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir criticised the move, calling it “madness.”

Meanwhile, the row over remarks by the leader of Israel’s Democrats Party, formerly Labour, deepened yesterday. Yair Golan was disinvited from a World Jewish Congress event after footage resurfaced in which he said: “Israeli soldiers are killing children and babies indiscriminately in Gaza.”

Golan later clarified that the policy — not individual soldiers — was to blame. Justice Minister Yariv Levin demanded Golan – the IDF’s former deputy chief of staff – be stripped of his reserve officer rank. But ex-prime minister Ehud Barak defended him. IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi said the army “acts according to its values and laws of war.”

In related news, former prime minister Ehud Olmert described the war as “very close to a war crime” in an interview with the BBC. He called it “a war without a purpose,” saying thousands of Palestinian civilians were being killed and many Israeli soldiers had died for “no gain.” He said: “We are fighting the killers of Hamas, we are not fighting innocent civilians — that has to be clear.”

Also yesterday, freed hostage Yarden Bibas said he encountered Yahya Sinwar in a tunnel during captivity. Bibas told Channel 12 that Sinwar allowed him to spend two weeks with his best friend David Cunio before they were separated. Cunio remains in Gaza. Bibas said Sinwar was later killed in an IDF raid.

Two Israelis have been arrested for spying for Iran and collecting information near the home of Defence Minister Israel Katz. Authorities said the suspects used encrypted links and were expected to be indicted shortly. Katz condemned the incident.

And protests are spreading in Gaza after a resurfaced interview showed Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri calling mass deaths “material calculations.” Footage from al-Mawasi showed residents chanting against Hamas and foreign allies, including Qatari envoy Mohammed al-Emadi.

Syria has handed over a trove of personal items belonging to Mossad agent Eli Cohen, officials said. The archive was reportedly recovered by rebels and kept under lock. Former Syrian foreign minister Farouk al-Sharaa was said to have supported the transfer.

Finally, a dispute over IDF draft law enforcement has led ultra-Orthodox parties to boycott Knesset votes. Shas and United Torah Judaism walked out last week after the High Court ordered an end to draft exemptions. The ruling coalition has failed to pass a new law, and the legislative impasse continues.

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