Exclusive-US drafted a memo condemning UK over West Bank sanctions. It was never released

AI Summary

US officials drafted a memo condemning the UK, France, and Canada for sanctions blocking imports from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, but the statement attributed to Secretary of State Marco Rubio was never released. The issue highlights tensions over trade sanctions in the region.

By Humeyra Pamuk and Alexander Cornwell WASHINGTON/JERUSALEM, Sept 23 (Reuters) - In early September, US officials in Jerusalem and Washington prepared a draft statement attributed to Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemning plans by the UK, France and Canada to block imports from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.