In early September, the United States drafted a statement attributed to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, criticizing the plans of Britain, France, and Canada to block imports from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
Lack of Support for the Statement
This document, dated September 8 and previously unreported, was reportedly influenced by David Milstein, a key advisor to U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee. The draft suggested that Rubio describe the actions of the mentioned countries as a series of hostile acts against Israel that lead to an increase in anti-Semitism.
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The draft states: "These tactics inappropriately exploit the agenda of anti-Semitic movements, sanctions, divestments, and economic boycotts." According to three sources familiar with the matter, this statement did not receive support from the White House or senior leadership at the State Department.
Differences in U.S. Foreign Policy Views
Marco Rubio, on September 8 in Florida before his trip to Latin America, refrained from making explicit criticism of this decision or any specific country. He said, "It is clear that we will never acquiesce to the actions taken by Britain. We saw their announcement today, but I have no opinion on it at this time."
This incident reflects the growing divide between the White House and senior hardline diplomats in Israel regarding the best way to respond to the expansion of Israeli settlements under the right-wing government of Benjamin Netanyahu. It also highlights an increasing ideological rift among American conservatives in their support for Israel.
Public support in the United States for Israel has declined since the onset of the Gaza war in 2023, particularly among Democrats. Polls show that young Republicans have more unfavorable views towards the United States' closest ally in the Middle East.
Last year, Milstein proposed that the United States impose sanctions on the International Criminal Court to persuade it to drop war crime charges against Israeli leaders.
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