Israel labels UK's 'ethnic cleansing' comments as 'outrageous lies', hits back against sanctions

By SBS News

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Israel says it ‌will close the British consulate in Jerusalem after the United Kingdom, France and Canada announced plans to ban imports from Israeli settlements in the West Bank — something Australia has previously ruled out. UK foreign minister Ed Miliband has told parliament there was "ethnic cleansing" of Palestinians in parts of the West Bank and the UK could no longer just "call out" injustice and suffering but had to act to oppose the expansion of settlements, which he said threatened the viability of a Palestinian state. International concern is growing over rising settler violence and expansion of Israeli settlements, which most countries consider illegal under international law. Israel disputes this. In a joint statement, ministers from 12 countries, including the UK, France, Canada, Spain and Sweden, reaffirmed support for a two-state solution and signalled tougher action on settlements. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar described Miliband's comments as "outrageous l

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