Full Breakdown
Unreleased U.S. Draft Memo on UK-Led West Bank Settlement Sanctions
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Draft Memo and Its Non-Release
In early September, U.S. officials in Jerusalem and Washington prepared a September 8 draft statement attributed to Secretary of State Marco Rubio that would have condemned the United Kingdom, France and Canada for planning to block imports from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. The memo, reportedly driven by David Milstein, an aide to U.S. Senior State Department and White House officials did not endorse the draft, and the document was never released.
Context of the Settlement Sanctions Debate
The three Western governments announced intentions to restrict products originating from Israeli settlements, a policy that follows growing international criticism of settlement expansion under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The United Nations and most countries deem the settlements illegal under the law of military occupation, while Israel characterizes the territory as disputed. Settlement growth has intensified violence by Jewish settlers against Palestinians, a trend noted by U.S. observers.
Official Responses
When asked about the draft, Secretary Rubio, speaking to reporters in Florida on September 8, said, “Obviously, we’re not going to do what the UK did. We saw their announcement today, but I don’t have any comment on it right now.” A senior U.S. official later confirmed the memo was prepared without consultation from the State Department or the White House. The White House declined to comment when approached for a response.
Public Opinion and Demographics
Polling shows declining U.S. support for Israel since the 2023 Gaza war. A June Quinnipiac University poll found 48 % of all voters and 66 % of Democrats believe the United States is too supportive of Israel, up from 16 % and 20 % in 2017. A Pew Research Center poll from March indicated that 57 % of Republicans aged 18-49 hold an unfavorable view of Israel, a rise from 50 % a year earlier. The West Bank is home to roughly 500,000 Israeli settlers and 3 million Palestinians.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Obviously, we’re not going to do what the UK did. We saw their announcement today, but I don’t have any comment on it right now,” — State Marco Rubio