closeicon
World

More than 1000 European politicians sign letter against Israel annexation plans

Margaret Hodge and Lord Howard among those saying Israeli move would prove fatal to peace prospects

articlemain

More than 1,000 parliamentarians from across Europe have signed a letter opposing Israel’s plans to annex parts of the West Bank,

The 1,080 signatories, which included 240 MPs and peers, said the Israeli move would be “fatal to the prospects of Palestinian-Israeli peace”.

They expressed “serious concern” over American President Donald Trump’s peace plan, published earlier this year, and the “imminent prospect” of Israeli annexation of territory in the West Bank.

The acquisition of force had no place in 2020 and must have “commensurate consequences”, they warned.

The British supporters from across the political spectrum included former Conservative leader Lord Howard, Dame Margaret Hodge, Lord Carlisle, the former reviewer of terrorist legislation in the UK, former Cabinet Secretary Lord Butler and former Attorney General Lord Goldsmith.

Wayne David, Labour’s Shadow Middle East Minister, meanwhile took part on Monday in a briefing against the annexation by Ami Ayalon, former head of the Shin Bet security service and a longstanding campaigner for Israeli-Palestinian peace.

Philip Gordon, White House co-ordinator for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf under President Obama, and Australia’s Shadow Foreign Minister Penny Wong, also participated in the event.,

It was organised by the Jewish Global Coalition, which comprises groups such as Yachad, the New Israel Fund and J-Street.

Mr Gordon said the annexation move would serve “no useful purpose” but could jeopardise Israel’s future as a democratic state.

Share via

Want more from the JC?

To continue reading, we just need a few details...

Want more from
the JC?

To continue reading, we just
need a few details...

Get the best news and views from across the Jewish world Get subscriber-only offers from our partners Subscribe to get access to our e-paper and archive