A senior official from Benjamin Netanyahu's government has launched an extraordinary attack on Sir Keir Starmer, accusing the Labour leader of effectively rewarding terrorism through his position on Palestinian statehood.
The remarkable diplomatic broadside came from Israel's Minister of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, Amichai Chikli, who claimed Starmer's approach would serve as a green light for terrorist activities against Israeli citizens.
Diplomatic Tensions Escalate
The controversy stems from Starmer's recent comments suggesting the UK should consider recognising a Palestinian state before reaching a final settlement with Israel. This position represents a significant shift in foreign policy thinking and has drawn fierce criticism from Netanyahu's government.
Minister Chikli didn't mince words, stating: "When you reward terrorism, you get more terrorism. This is very simple." He directly linked Starmer's position to potential violence against Israeli civilians.
Labour's Response and Policy Position
The Labour Party has defended its leader's stance, emphasising that recognition would be part of a process toward a two-state solution rather than an unconditional move. Shadow ministers have stressed that any recognition would need to occur at the right time in peace negotiations.
However, the Israeli government remains unconvinced. Officials argue that premature recognition would undermine negotiation efforts and strengthen Hamas's position in the region.
Broader Implications for UK-Israel Relations
This diplomatic spat highlights the delicate balancing act facing British politicians regarding Middle East policy. The Labour Party has been working to rebuild trust with Jewish communities while maintaining a critical stance on some Israeli government policies.
The accusation from a sitting Israeli minister represents one of the most direct confrontations between Netanyahu's government and the UK opposition leader, potentially foreshadowing future tensions should Labour form the next government.
Foreign policy experts suggest this exchange may signal a more challenging period for UK-Israel relations, regardless of which party wins the next general election.
