In the wake of the October 7 terrorist attack, the Israeli government declared war on Gaza and received unwavering support from the British government. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak quickly landed in Israel on a transport plane carrying weapons and military equipment for the IDF, declaring his unlimited support for Israel in its fight against evil. British Foreign Minister James Calverley also expressed his support for Israel’s right to defend itself.
However, six months later, the situation has changed significantly. The British government is now threatening to impose an arms embargo on Israel if it invades Rafah. The Foreign Office has been critical of Israel’s role in the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and has voted in favor of a resolution calling for a humanitarian ceasefire without condemning Hamas for the attack.
The shift in British policy is attributed to a general erosion of support for Israel in the West. Factors contributing to this shift include Israel’s failure to prevent a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, continued military operations, high Palestinian casualties, and a lack of discussion about the aftermath of the conflict. Additionally, a change in leadership within the British Foreign Ministry has resulted in a more critical stance towards Israel under Prime Minister Cameron.
One unique factor in the British case is public opinion, with large pro-Palestinian sentiments among UK citizens and criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza. A recent survey showed low support for Israeli military activity in Gaza and higher sympathy for Palestinians among UK citizens. This shift in public opinion has influenced British foreign policy towards Israel, as seen in recent Security Council votes.
The Foreign Office is now exploring whether Israel may be violating international law in Gaza, which could lead to arms export licenses being canceled to Israel. This marks a significant departure from previous British support for Israel and reflects a new tougher approach towards the conflict region.
The future of UK-Israel relations remains uncertain as Britain grapples with its stance on ongoing conflict in Gaza while balancing its commitment to peacekeeping efforts globally.
In conclusion, while Britain initially provided unwavering support for Israel following the October 7 terrorist attack, recent developments have led it to explore stricter measures against Israeli activities
