According to the British independent media outlet Middle East Eye, as the UK government plans to sanction Israeli settlements, two Israeli ministers have called for sanctions against the UK regarding the issue of the Malvinas Islands (commonly referred to as the Falkland Islands).
On September 7 local time, Ben Gvir, the Minister of National Security of Israel, posted an article on social media, calling on Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to recognize Argentina's sovereignty over the Falkland Islands and to impose sanctions against the UK during the period when those islands were occupied.
He wrote: “It is time for Israel to openly acknowledge that the Falkland Islands are occupied Argentine territory, which was violently seized from the Argentine people by Britain.”
He stated that Britain is not satisfied with merely occupying this territory; it is also conducting oil drilling there, stealing wealth that belongs to the Argentine people.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezaleel Smotrich demanded expulsion of the British Ambassador to Israel.
He said, “We will not become the footpad for anti-Semitic governments to trample on. This country has been occupied by Islamist radicals, who attempt to save their economic and social decline by attacking Jews and Israel.”
For a long time, there has been a dispute between Argentina and Britain over the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands. In April 1982, both countries went to war over the issue of who should have sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, with Britain ultimately winning. After the war, Argentina continued to claim sovereignty over the islands, while Britain refused to negotiate regarding the issue of sovereignty.
According to reports, Ben-Gurion and Smoltich’s statements were in response to Britain’s policies regarding Israeli settlements, which were announced on September 8th.
Last week, Israeli Foreign Minister David Solomon warned that if Britain imposed sanctions on Israel, Israel would take retaliatory measures.
According to reports, British Prime Minister Bernam reported to U.S. President Trump on the afternoon of the 7th about his plans to impose sanctions against Israel. It is said that the Trump administration strongly opposes Britain’s approach.
