'Grave miscalculation': Herzog disparages British sanctions against West Bank settlements

"Sanctions are not a solution – dialogue is. I say to all foreign governments: Stop! Step away from the dead-end of sanctions and boycotts, and turn toward constructive dialogue," Herzog said.Follow us on GooglePresident Isaac Herzog speaks at a conference in Herzliya, June 30, 2026.(photo credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/FLASH90)SEPTEMBER 8, 2026 16:15Updated: SEPTEMBER 8, 2026 16:28President Isaac Herzog called the UK sanctions against West Bank settlement announced on Wednesday a "grave miscalculation, a gross interference in the democratic elections of a sovereign nation, and a decision that will fall on the wrong side of history.""Sanctions are not a solution – dialogue is. I say to all foreign governments: Stop! Step away from the dead-end of sanctions and boycotts, and turn toward constructive dialogue and toward cooperation," Herzog said.National Security Minister also addressed the sanctions, saying that he asked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to "close the British Consulate in East Jerusalem today, which operates openly on behalf of the Palestinian Authority.""This must be Israel's resolute response to British audacity," he added.Ben-Gvir also demanded that Israel formally recognize Argentina's sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, saying that "it's time for the State of Israel to publicly recognize that the Malvinas Islands are Argentine territory under occupation, which the British violently steal from the Argentine people.""The British are not content with merely occupying the territory; they also carry out oil drilling there and steal the money from the Argentine people. I call upon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to recognize Argentina's sovereignty over the Malvinas Islands and to impose sanctions on Great Britain as long as the occupation continues," he added.Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Arieh King similarly called for Israel to enforce the closure of Britain's diplomatic presence at 80 Nablus Road and 15 Rajeib Nashashibi Street, Jerusalem.Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for the expulsion of the British ambassador.President Isaac Herzog said the move is a "grave miscalculation, a decision that will fall on the wrong side of history, and a gross interference in the democratic elections of a sovereign nation.”"It will serve no one," he added, saying instead that it will directly harm Palestinians, robbing them of business and employment. "Sanctions are not a solution. Dialogue is."Mathilda Heller contributed to this report.This is a developing story.Follow us on Google