EXCLUSIVE: A security expert revealed how Donald Trump's tame response to the UK illegal Israeli settlement sanctions could reveal how Washington really feel about Benjamibn Netanyahu12:36, 10 Sep 2026An expert revealed how the US response to the UK banning trade with illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank shows Washington is "at its limit" with Benjamin Netanyahu.‌On Tuesday, Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced the country would ban imports from illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and impose sanctions on individuals and firms providing services to settlers. This strong response came after plans for an development in the by West Bank, called E1, were pushed in Israel. Miliband said it would render a two-state solution "unviable" by "cutting through the heart of Palestine".‌International security expert Professor Anthony Glees, of the University of Buckingham, told the Mirror it was "revealing" that Donald Trump has "so far not lashed out at us" over the announcement.‌Tuesday's announcement triggered a diplomatic spat between Westminster and Tel Aviv, with Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar retaliating by closing the UK's consulate in Jerusalem.The US' ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, issued a scathing attack on the UK and said the move was an "irrational action". President Trump however did not attack the UK's position, when asked about the trade ban before a Republican convention, in Texas, on Wednesday.‌Trump said: "Well, I've just seen it and I'll be speaking to Israel. I’ll be speaking to them and I'll find out what's their thinking. I understand exactly what's going on, but I want to find out why all of a sudden does that happen?"Professor Glees, speaking to The Mirror, said this could be a sign on where Washington stands with Netanyahu. He said: "It's revealing that despite Huckabee's threats to us and his ridiculous huffing and puffing, Trump has so far not lashed out at us, nor has Rubio. My sense is the White House has had it up to here with Netanyahu. "‌It has been reported, by Axios, that Trump did not argue against the imposition of sanctions when informed in a phone call with Prime Minister Andy Burnham, on Monday.Glees added that Miliband's decision could be a powerful sign to other nations, saying: "In my view Putin, the IRGC and Xi will privately be impressed with Burnham's and Miliband's strong condemnation of Israel's tacit endorsement of the Israeli settlers.‌"We've seen how they settlers, protected by ministers like Ben Gvir have systematically terrorized Palestinians in the West Bank. Ben-Gvir said 30-40 Gazans should be shot each day and has reintroduced the death penalty for Palestinians. All this had to stop and in my opinion we're right to take a lead with our Canadian friends and others."It's never wrong to do what is right and support the underdog. We can't be threatened by Netanyahu. The Two State solution remains the only way forward. We're showing some backbone at last."The area known as E1 is between the eastern edge of Jerusalem and through the desert to another Israeli settlement. If approved, this land would create a continuous Israeli settlement corridor from East Jerusalem straight across the West Bank.‌Professor Glees added that this strong stance from the UK could be a huge benefit on how the UK is seen on the world stage, even with Iran and Russia.He said: "The UK's foreign policy has, over the past few years and most recently under Starmer, been universally regarded as weak and wishy-washy, especially by our enemies and adversaries. It has made us look timid, afraid to assert ourselves and invariably getting the worst of all worlds."A cowardly Britain endangers our security. Look how Starmer fawned over Trump to zero effect. He tried to do the same with Xi. A plainspeaking Britain is therefore in my opinion a key step in the right direction.Article continues below"I believe Putin and the Iranians are easier to contain if we're firm especially as Trump is now away with the fairies, enmeshed in a war with Iran he can't win without the use of boots on the ground or nukes."