The UK Government has this week restated the importance of direct peace talks within the context of Israel’s possible annexation in the West Bank. While it remains unclear whether any annexation will occur, Middle East Minister James Cleverly asserted this week that the UK opposed calls for sanctions against Israel.
Writing to Israelis in a Hebrew-language article published in Israel’s Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper on Wednesday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke of his passionate support for Israel while warning against annexation of the West Bank and underlining his support for renewed peace negotiations.
The Prime Minister described himself as a “passionate defender of Israel” but underlined: “It is with sadness that I have followed the proposals to annex Palestinian territory”.
He added: “As a life-long friend, admirer and supporter of Israel, I am fearful that these proposals will fail in their objective of securing Israel’s borders and will be contrary to Israel’s own long-term interests”.
Prime Minister Johnson wrote: “I profoundly hope that annexation does not go ahead. If it does, the UK will not recognise any changes to the 1967 lines, except those agreed between both parties”.
He emphasised: “I am a passionate defender of Israel. Few causes are closer to my heart than ensuring its people are protected from the menace of terrorism and anti-Semitic incitement. The UK has always stood by Israel and its right to live as any nation should be able to, in peace and security. Our commitment to Israel’s security will be unshakable while I am Prime Minister of the United Kingdom”.
Affirming his support for renewed peace talks, Prime Minister Johnson said the only viable solution to the conflict was a negotiated two-state solution: “I still believe the only way to achieve true, lasting security for Israel, the homeland for the Jewish people, is through a solution that allows justice and security for both Israelis and Palestinians. I refuse to believe that this is impossible”.
In his article, Prime Minister Johnson described how he “took away a profound attachment to the State of Israel” after his time working at a kibbutz as a teenager. Read the article in full here.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab in Foreign Office Questions this week asserted that the UK “want[s] to see talks proceed”, adding: “That is why we are working with those partners in the region, Arab countries and the E3″.
During FCO Qs, Middle East Minister James Cleverly asserted that the Government opposed any calls for sanctions in response to the Israeli government’s policies: “There will always be voices in British politics that would jump at any opportunity to bring in sanctions and disinvestment. We do not agree with those voices, and we will continue to work towards a negotiated two-state solution, using the diplomatic means we have at our disposal”.
Under the terms of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s coalition agreement with Deputy Prime Minister Gantz, Israel was able to proceed with annexation of West Bank territory from July 1st, in accordance with the peace plan of President Trump. No decision has been made this week after continuing disagreement within the Israeli government, and apparent indecision in the Trump administration.
