UK–Israel Tensions Soar
Starmer Pressures: UK–Israel Rift Reaches New High
Britain summons Israeli Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely over settlement plans in E1, calling them a “blatant violation of international law.” As London moves toward recognizing Palestine, Smotrich celebrates the project as “erasing the Palestinian state from the table.”
Britain summoned Israel’s Ambassador in London, Tzipi Hotovely, for a formal reprimand after the Israeli government approved settlement construction in the E1 corridor near Jerusalem, a move London described as a “flagrant breach of international law,” according to the Financial Times.
The UK Foreign Office warned that the plans could split Judea and Samaria in two and effectively block the creation of a contiguous Palestinian state. “If implemented, these plans would critically undermine the two-state solution,” the ministry said.
Just a day earlier, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy urged Israel to reverse the decision. The move has added to already rising tensions between London and Jerusalem, fueled by the ongoing war in Gaza.
Starmer’s Pressure on Israel
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has taken an increasingly firm stance against Israel. He declared that Britain intends to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September unless Israel takes immediate steps to improve conditions in Gaza.
Within the UK, Starmer has faced internal pressure with left-wing Labour MPs demanding even harsher action, including sanctions.
Smotrich Welcomes Settlement Plans
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich hailed the E1 approval as a historic step.
“The Palestinian state is erased from the table not with slogans, but with actions,” he said. Earlier this summer, both Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir were placed under British sanctions for what London described as “repeated incitement to violence against Palestinians.”
On Thursday, Britain joined 21 other countries, including France, Spain, Canada, Australia, and Japan, in a joint statement condemning the E1 project as “a violation of international law.” Another letter, signed by 25 nations including the UK, called on Israel to grant foreign journalists free access to Gaza and ensure their safety.
Diplomatic Fallout and Military Escalation
London has already halted most arms sales to Israel in recent months, though it continues to supply components for F-35 fighter jets as part of global production lines, a decision criticized by parts of Labour.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced he has approved military plans for a full-scale ground operation to capture Gaza City with the aim of “defeating Hamas". Netanyahu, however, left the door open to renewed ceasefire talks, though only “on terms acceptable to Israel.”