In an interview with the Mail, Netanyahu labelled Sir Keir Starmer’s administration as “misguided” and criticised it for sending a “horrible message” to Hamas by suspending numerous arms licences to Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned the UK Labour Government for its recent policies and actions, accusing it of undermining Israel’s efforts in the ongoing conflict.
In an interview with the Mail, Netanyahu labelled Sir Keir Starmer’s administration as “misguided” and criticised it for sending a “horrible message” to Hamas by suspending numerous arms licences to Israel.
This interview comes just days after a new wave of violence in the Middle East. On Tuesday, explosions from hand-held pagers used by Hezbollah fighters in Syria and Lebanon resulted in numerous injuries, Mail Online reports.
The following day, walkie-talkies employed by the group detonated across Lebanon, killing at least 14 people and injuring 450 more. While Israel has not officially commented on these attacks, there is speculation they may have been orchestrated by Mossad.
Netanyahu’s criticism extended to the International Criminal Court (ICC), which is poised to issue arrest warrants for him and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes related to the Gaza conflict.
He dismissed these potential charges as “preposterous” and argued they could impede the global fight against terrorism.
Netanyahu remarked, “The Labour Government decided to drop its challenge to the preposterous ICC arrest warrants that were requested by the ICC prosecutor against the prime minister and the defence minister of Israel.
“If the arrest warrants are issued against the leaders of the only democracy in the Middle East, it will compromise the ability of all democracies in the world to fight terrorism, including Britain.”
The ICC’s anticipated warrants are related to allegations of war crimes in Gaza, where Hamas claims over 40,000 Palestinians have been killed. Netanyahu defended Israel’s actions, stating, “Israel is waging a just war with just means, taking unprecedented measures to keep civilians out of harm’s way and comporting fully with international law.”
“Most recently, the new UK government suspended 30 arms licences to Israel, days after Hamas executed six Israeli hostages, sending a horrible message to Hamas.”
Netanyahu also condemned the rising anti-Semitism in the UK, asserting, “Britain is witnessing shameless anti-Semitism on its campuses, at its city centres and in many parts of the country. It is worrisome. I trust and expect that the UK leadership will take the necessary steps to root out this scourge.”
In response, a Foreign Office spokesperson reiterated the UK’s friendship with Israel but emphasised ongoing concerns over human rights violations. The spokesperson noted, “We have been absolutely clear that when taking military action to support its legitimate right to self-defence, Israel must adhere to International Humanitarian Law.
“The UK has raised concerns about these issues over many months, and so have other allies. Regrettably, these concerns have not been satisfactorily addressed. Our priority remains achieving a ceasefire in Gaza, the hostages released, civilians protected and aid flooded in.”
