The Palestinian Authority praised the UK’s decision to impose sanctions, describing it as “an important step towards confronting Israel’s colonial system and its violations against the Palestinian people”.
Reactions within the UK Jewish community regarding the sanctions and potential security implications have been varied.
The Chief Rabbi criticized the government’s announcement, labeling it “little more than political flag-waving for mendacious anti-Israel rhetoric”.
Sir Ephraim stated: “This kind of gesture politics feeds into an increasingly hostile discourse about Israel, and the cumulative effect of such punitive policies is to further embolden those, at home and abroad, who use hatred as a weapon against Jews.”
Regarding Mirvis’s comments, Miliband responded: “I don’t agree with the chief rabbi, somebody… of whom I have great respect.”
He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that “anyone who holds British Jews – or indeed Jews around the world – responsible for the actions of the Israeli government, is engaging in antisemitism, pure and simple”.
Meanwhile, the Jewish Leadership Council (JLC) issued a warning that the government’s decision “risks becoming a de facto boycott of Israel” and accused Miliband of “yielding to pressure from the most extreme elements of British society”.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews noted that the timing of the announcement before Rosh Hashanah – the Jewish New Year festival beginning Friday – raises “concerns for communal security at their highest levels… felt particularly acutely by British Jews”.
The organization also highlighted that the deteriorating UK-Israel relationship could “further inflame community tensions locally”, while acknowledging prior warnings issued to the Israeli government regarding “intolerable settler violence” affecting its international reputation.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) announced on Wednesday that additional resources would be deployed during the Jewish High Holy Days to provide “extra visibility and security” and “ensure everyone can celebrate this time safely”.
Ch Supt Dave Meeney stated: “Our officers will continue working with Jewish communities as we head into this important period for their faith, which we understand is a time which may bring heightened concern for the community.”
As reactions to the sanctions persisted, Na’amod – which describes itself as a movement of UK Jews advocating for an end to Israel’s occupation and equality for Palestinians and Israelis – welcomed the decision, noting it had awaited British government action for years.
“There is no singular Jewish approach to Israel. We reject the contention that [Tuesday’s] UK government measures will contribute to antisemitism,” the movement stated.
The Movement for Progressive Judaism said, “While the vulnerability of British Jews must not be ignored,” measures targeting Israeli settlements “are not the same as an attack on Jews” and emphasized the importance of distinguishing between the two.
