This story originally appeared in the JC’s Israel Briefing newsletter. You can sign up to the free daily email briefing here
UK-Israel ties had been damaged “against our wishes” by the Labour government’s unilateral measures since 2024, Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar has told a Conservative Party delegation in Jerusalem.
Tory chairman Kevin Hollinrake, who led the delegation, said the Conservatives “stand firmly with Israel and look forward to restoring and strengthening the partnership that has been damaged in recent years.”
Sa’ar stressed during his meeting with delegates on Wednesday evening the importance of the bilateral relationship while highlighting the strain caused by a series of Labour policies.
These have included the recognition of a Palestinian state, suspension of certain defence export licences, sanctions on Israeli individuals and entities linked to the West Bank and other steps that Israel has characterised as hostile.
In response, Israel has taken reciprocal measures, including ending the British Consulate’s diplomatic status in Jerusalem, although Britain has continued operating a smaller mission there.
Sa’ar pointed to a recent letter from 13 US state attorneys general warning that attempts to harm Israel also harm Britain itself, and he thanked the Conservatives for standing with Israel.
The foreign minister also briefed the delegation on Israel’s strategic threats, including what he described as Iran and its allies’ ongoing, systematic and openly declared attempt to destroy the Jewish state.
Hollinrake said: “It was a privilege for the Conservative delegation to meet with you in Jerusalem and hear directly about the challenges Israel continues to face from Iran and its proxies.”
To get more Israel news, click here to sign up for our free Israel Briefing newsletter.