British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Tuesday that an Israeli move to apply sovereignty over parts of Judea and Samaria "would amount to breach of international law."
Johnson, who was quoted by Haaretz, stressed that his government strongly objects to the sovereignty move and will work to make the case for a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The British Prime Minister was replying to a question raised by Conservative Party Member of Parliament Crispin Blunt, who stated that the United Kingdom must dissuade Israel by using "real sanctions if they breach international law."
"I believe that what is proposed by Israel would amount to breach of international law and I strongly objected and we believe profoundly in a two-state solution and we will continue to make that case," replied Johnson.
Last month, the Chairwoman of the International Relations and Defense Committee in Britain’s House of Lords questioned whether Israel should continue to receive preferential access to the British market if the sovereignty plan goes through.
Last month, Britain’s junior Foreign Office minister James Cleverly said that Britain would not support an Israeli move to apply sovereignty over parts of Judea and Samaria.
“Our long-standing position is that we do not support the annexation of parts of the West Bank, and ... doing so could make a sustainable two-state solution harder,” Cleverly told parliament.
The European Union has also expressed an objection to the coalition agreement between Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Benny Gantz, which stipulates that the government can apply sovereignty over Judea and Samaria as early as July 1.
The European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, recently warned Israel against applying sovereignty over portions of Judea and Samaria.
“The European Union reiterates that any annexation would constitute a serious violation of international law. The European Union will continue to closely monitor the situation and its broader implications, and will act accordingly,” he said.
