Jerusalem (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Israel condemns Labour’s recognition of Palestine, saying UK Jews will “never forgive” the party, calling it a betrayal and a reward for terrorism.
As reported by The Telegraph, Israel claims Labour’s Palestine recognition under Sir Keir Starmer angers British Jews.
What did Israel say about Labour’s Palestine recognition move?
David Mencer, a spokesman for the office of the Israeli prime minister, said,
“Just because Sir Keir Starmer says it’s true it doesn’t make it true and I think his leadership has shown that.”
He stated,
“Sir Keir has given the most appalling gift to the Jewish community of the UK on the eve of the Jewish New Year, the most appalling gift, the gift which the Jewish community will not forgive Labour for, they will never forgive Labour for this betrayal.”
Mr Mencer added,
“And it is a betrayal of the Jewish community but it is also an abandonment of the UK’s ally Israel. Israel believes that recognising a Palestinian state today, it’s not peace, it’s a prize for terrorism.”
What did Jewish Labour groups say about Keir Starmer’s Palestine move?
Labour’s Jewish groups condemned Sir Keir Starmer’s recognition of a Palestinian state before a ceasefire or hostage release.
The Labour Against Antisemitism campaign group released a statement, saying,
“After setting out arbitrary demands for Israel which were impossible to meet, Sir Keir Starmer will now formally recognise.”
They said,
“He will recognise a state without borders, government, policies, leadership and, most importantly, without the commitment to live in peace with its neighbours, or to return the 48 hostages that Hamas are still holding after almost two years.”
The group added, “The reaction from hostage families and Hamas indicate that it will make peace less likely as well as compromising Britain’s relationships with its allies.”
Labour Friends of Israel said its members “strongly oppose” recognising Palestine at this time.
It added,
“Recognition of a Palestinian state outside of a meaningful peace progress will change nothing on the ground and it gives up an important diplomatic lever that can only be pulled once. We remain deeply concerned that this decicsion fails to address the brariers to peace posed by the Irnaian regime and the need for radical reform of the Palestinian Authority.”
What did the US say about allies recognising Palestine?
The US dismisses allies’ Palestine recognition as “performative.”
A US state department spokesman said,
“Our focus remains on serious diplomacy, not performative gestures.”
They added,
“Our priorities are clear: the release of the hostages, the security of Israel, and peace and prosperity for the entire region that is only possible free from Hamas.”
What did Hamish Falconer say about Palestine recognition?
Hamish Falconer, a Foreign Office minister, has rejected claims that Prime Minister Keir Starmer recognised Palestine due to Labour pressure.
During an interview, when asked if the move aimed to ease Labour divisions, he responded that, as MP for Lincoln, he sees widespread concern across his constituency.
Questioned if the decision was politically motivated, Mr Falconer stated he deals with these issues weekly in the House of Commons.
He said,
“And I can tell you that concern about what is happening in Gaza, in the Middle East, is not limited to the Labour Party.”
Mr Falconer acknowledged that recognising Palestine would have little immediate impact.
The Foreign Office minister said,
“Recognition will not… mean that humanitarian aid comes in tomorrow. It will not mean that hostages are released tomorrow. But it does set out an important framework for bringing this conflict to an end, getting a ceasefire in Gaza.”
How did Hamas react to the UK’s recognition of Palestine?
Following Britain’s move to recognise Palestine, Hamas declared a victory for ‘the justice of our cause.’
Official Mahmoud Mardawi praised the UK, Canada, and Australia for recognising Palestine, calling it a victory for Palestinian rights.
He added,
“No matter how far the occupation goes in its crimes, it will never be able to erase our national rights.”
Keir Starmer’s stance on the UK recognising Palestine
In a significant announcement, Sir Keir Starmer said Britain has formally recognised Palestine as an independent state.
Mr Starmer released a video message, saying,
“The hope of a two-state solution is fading but we cannot let that light go out … Today, to revive the hope of peace and a two-state solution, I state clearly, as prime minister of this great country, that the UK formally recognises the state of Palestine.”
He added,
“In the face of the growing horrors in the Middle East we are acting to keep alive the possibility of peace and a two-state solution. That means a safe and secure Israel, alongside a viable Palestinian state. At the moment we have neither.”
What did David Lammy say about the UK recognising Palestine?
UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, who will represent the UK at the UN, acknowledged that recognition would bring little immediate change.
He said,
“It’s not as simple as recognising one day and a Palestinian state appearing the next.”
Mr Lammy stated,
“Will this feed children? No, it won’t, that’s down to humanitarian aid. Will this free hostages? That must be down to a ceasefire. What do we say to the children of a future Palestinian state? Do we say we have to wait for the perfect conditions before we can recognise a Palestinian state?”
Key facts about the Gaza-Israel war
The war began on 7 October 2023 with a surprise attack by Hamas on Israel. About 1,195 Israelis and foreign nationals were killed, and 251 were taken hostage.
In Gaza, Palestinian deaths are estimated between 65,000 and 84,000, including many women and children. These numbers include confirmed deaths and higher estimates from the humanitarian crisis.