State Representative David Livingston (R-28) condemned the United Kingdom's recent threats to sanction Israel over its E1 development program in Judea and Samaria, also known as the West Bank.
What is the E1 Program?
Israel has sought to build 1,200 settlement homes in a strategically important part of Judea and Samaria known as E1, a program they have held off on carrying out for decades.
The United Kingdom and other countries are demanding the Jewish State abandon the plans, claiming they are illegal and would undermine the peace effort, with the UK specifically threatening to impose sanctions on Israel.
"At a time of grave instability in the West Bank with unprecedented levels of violence by settlers against civilians, and serious restrictions on the Palestinian economy, this decision is even more concerning," the UK and other European allies said. "Not only will they [the plans] take us further from peace, but they further undermine Israel's international standing."
Livingston's Response
In a statement, State Rep. Livingston said, "Britain is singling out Israel and threatening sanctions over development in Judea and Samaria, lands central to Jewish history and Israel's security."
"Israel is a democratic ally facing enemies that openly seek its destruction. Britain should be standing with Israel, not increasing political pressure while terrorism and incitement against Israelis continue," State Rep. Livingston continued. "Treating E1 as a sudden or reckless act ignores the history of the project and the security threats Israel faces. Judea and Samaria are central to Jewish history and faith. Governments may disagree over policy, but they should not erase that history or hold Israel to standards they refuse to apply to those who threaten its people."
The representative emphasized that "at a time of rising antisemitism around the world, governments should be especially careful about policies and rhetoric that uniquely condemn and delegitimize the Jewish state. Threatening Israel with sanctions while terrorism and incitement against Israelis continue sends exactly the wrong message. Arizona has stood with Israel, and I will continue to do so."
