British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has rejected his Israeli counterpart’s claim that Britain undermined Israel’s security when it blocked some arms exports to Tel Aviv, POLITICO reports.
Starmer lashed out at Benjamin Netanyahu after the Israeli PM accused Britain of “sending a terrible message” to Hamas by suspending some arms export licences to Israel.
The UK move came amid Whitehall concerns that the exports could be used in violation of international law as Israel wages its campaign against Hamas in Gaza.
Pressed by LBC Radio on whether Netanyahu’s comments were correct, Starmer said:
No, he’s not right about that. We had to comply with international law and our domestic law in relation to that. I’ve always been clear, I support Israel’s right to self-defense, I’ve been robust about that. I’ve taken blows in relation to that — there’s no doubting that support — but it’s got to be done in accordance with international law.
Starmer has insisted that Israel and Britain remain strong allies despite marked changes in Middle East policy since his Labour government came to power in July. Starmer’s government also dropped Britain’s opposition to the International Criminal Court seeking an arrest warrant for Netanyahu. It also restored £21 million in funding to UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. Starmer told LBC:
We’re in contact with the Israeli government all the time as you would expect. They’re an important ally and I have long respected and supported Israel’s right to self-defence.
His comments — made en route to the UN General Assembly in New York — come as the UK reiterates its plea for British nationals in Lebanon to “leave immediately” amid widespread Israeli strikes inside the country targeting Hezbollah.
