Britain

“We will continue to fight for the safety and security of Israeli citizens even if it brings condemnations, and even harsh condemnations, from some countries around the world,” he said.

Russia's FSB internal security agency said on Thursday that it had detained a former guard at the British Embassy in Moscow who collected personal data on British diplomats.

Britain and Norway disclosed in April that they had uncovered a covert Russian operation in Arctic waters. But the discovery of the new weapon and the location of the operation had not been reported.

Elliott Abrams said Israel's retaliatory measures against Britain were likely successful in limiting London's diplomatic influence.

Palestinian officials in Ramallah told the 'Post' that the UK's decision to ban trade with Israeli settlements was a 'significant political achievement.'

"Beyond the diplomatic steps Israel took yesterday - which I think were spot on - Israel also has economic leverage. Trade between Israel and the UK is roughly balanced," said Shmuel Ben-Tovim.

At the very least, Britain should acknowledge that economic pressure on Israel will have consequences beyond the people it intends to punish.

This comes less than a day after Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced measures against the UK, including the immediate removal of personnel from the CMCC headquarters in Kiryat Gat.

Britain and Israel have genuine strategic interests in common even when their governments disagree sharply, but diplomatic relations require reciprocity.

The UK, Canada, France, and 10 other countries announced plans to impose national restrictions on goods from Israeli settlements, in a surprise coordinated move.