Israel and britain

Playing politics with security: Jerusalem must review UK privileges amidst sanctions - editorial

Britain and Israel have genuine strategic interests in common even when their governments disagree sharply, but diplomatic relations require reciprocity.

The Elizabeth Tower more commonly known as Big Ben is pictured during a near total solar eclipse, with more than 90 percent of the Sun blocked by the Moon across Britain, in central London on August 12, 2026.
Britain's Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband speaks at the House of Commons in London

Miliband invoked his 60 relatives murdered in the Holocaust, then announced sanctions on Israel

Husam Zomlot, head of the Palestinian Authority's mission to the United Kingdom, gestures during a ceremony after Britain announced on Sunday its recognition of a Palestinian state at the mission's headquarters in London, Britain, September 22, 2025; illustrative.

PA's UK Embassy praises Foreign Sec. Miliband's ban on trade with West Bank settlements

Britain's Prime Minister Andy Burnham speaks during Ministerial Statement on Government Direction at the House of Commons in London

What Britain risks by treating Israeli intelligence as a bargaining chip - comment


British activist remains in Israeli custody over suspected minor assault during West Bank clash

Finn Joughin was detained Saturday after an encounter involving a child in Umm al-Kheir. Police said late Saturday that he was being held “on suspicion of performing an indecent act against a minor.”

Israeli leftist activists gather as Palestinian residents and solidarity volunteers stand on the roof of a house besieged by Israeli settlers in the village of Qusra, south of Nablus, West Bank, August 14, 2026

UK Foreign Office withdraws embassy staff from Iran due to 'ongoing security situation'

The UK government website explains that "the situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable. Since 8 July there have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran in a number of locations."

Britain's Defence Secretary Wes Streeting walks following the first cabinet meeting with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham at 10 Downing Street, in London, Britain, July 21, 2026.

New UK foreign secretary vows to honor Holocaust refugee parents amid Israel policy challenges

Ed Miliband said Britain was a sanctuary to his parents after they escaped the Nazis during World War II, citing his support for Israel while recognizing the "suffering of the people of Gaza."

Britain’s incoming Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband arrives ahead of a cabinet meeting in Downing Street in London on July 21, 2026, a day after Andy Burnham became Britain's new prime minister.

What Andy Burnham's rise means for UK's policy in Middle East, Israel and Gaza - explainer

Burnham appears likely to take a more openly critical line on Israel’s conduct in Gaza than Keir Starmer initially did, but his record points to a shift in tone and pressure, not a policy upheaval.

Newly elected Makerfield MP and former Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham arrives at Derby Gate by the Houses of Parliament, following Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer's announcement of the timeline for his resignation, in London, Britain, June 22, 2026.

British lawmakers press government for immediate ban on Israeli West Bank settlement imports

“If settlements are illegal, why have we not made an outright ban on trade? What exactly is it that we’re waiting for?” said Abtisam Mohamed, a Labour politician.

Member of Parliament Abtisam Mohamed looks on on the day Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivers a ministerial statement on Hamas' October 7 attack anniversary and the Middle East at the House of Commons, in London, Britain, October 7, 2024.

UK Jewish groups express concern as the likely next PM Andy Burnham criticizes Israel over Gaza

Andy Burnham apologized for Labour’s early Gaza response and called for greater pressure on Israel, prompting British Jewish leaders to raise concerns over his remarks.

Labour MP and challenger for Leader of the Labour party, Andy Burnham, arrives at Millbank studios in Westminster, central London, on July 2, 2026.

Incoming UK PM Andy Burnham urges to ramp up pressure on Israel and ban settlement goods

"We’ve got to do more to put pressure on the Israeli government ... Yes, we have taken some important steps ... But let’s be honest, the UK was too slow to call for a ceasefire," said Burnham.

Andy Burnham, British member of parliament (MP) for Makerfield, delivers a speech at the People's History Museum in Manchester, Britain, June 29, 2026.

Britain challenges court decision that Palestine Action ban was unlawful

Palestine Action was designated a terror organization last year.

Police officers detain a protester at 'Everyone Day', a mass vigil and sign-holding event in Trafalgar Square organised by Defend Our Juries to demand the lifting of the ban on Palestine Action, in London, Britain, April 11, 2026.

US, UK denounce security cabinet decision to expand West Bank annexation

Both countries join Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in criticizing Israel's plan to expand control over the West Bank.

Israeli settlers gesture during a weekly settlers' tour in Hebron, in the West Bank, February 7, 2026.

Anti-Zionist British MP alleges Netanyahu using Iran protests as pretext for military intervention

Zarah Sultana claimed that Netanyahu's "genocidal government" is "cynically exploiting" the Iranian protests to bring about regime change.

Zarah Sultana joins a pro-Palestine protest outside the Your Party conference on November 30, 2025 in Liverpool, England.