US Drafted Memo Condemning UK Over West Bank Sanctions but Never Released It

In early September, US officials in Jerusalem and Washington prepared a draft statement in the name of Secretary of State Marco Rubio. It condemned plans by the UK, France and Canada to block imports from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. Dated Sept. 8, the draft called the moves hostile to Israel and linked them to antisemitism. Two sources said it was driven by David Milstein, an aide to US Ambassador Mike Huckabee. It was never released.

Why the White House Held Back

Three people familiar with the matter said the White House and State Department leadership did not support it. A senior US official said it was not prepared with either office. Speaking in Florida that day, Rubio declined to criticize any country, saying only that the US would not do what the UK did.

Divide Over Israel Policy in Washington

The episode shows a split between the White House and diplomats in Israel over settlement expansion. Trump has voiced opposition to expansion but applied little pressure. Huckabee is a strong settlement supporter who also condemns settler violence.

US Public Opinion on Israel

A June Quinnipiac poll found 48% of voters and 66% of Democrats think the US is too supportive of Israel. A Pew poll found 57% of Republicans aged 18 to 49 view Israel unfavorably, up from 50%.