Israel has said that external pressure will not change its course after Britain paused free trade talks over the conflict in Gaza and levelled new sanctions on settlers in the occupied West Bank, AFP reports.

“If, due to anti-Israel obsession and domestic political considerations, the British government is willing to harm the British economy — that is its own prerogative,” Israeli foreign ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein said in a statement.

“External pressure will not divert Israel from its path in defending its existence and security against enemies who seek its destruction.”