Greg Smith is the Conservative Member of Parliament for Buckingham. Bella Wallersteiner is an Associate Fellow at Bright Blue.
As tensions escalate in the Middle East, Rishi Sunak finds himself under mounting pressure to halt weapons exports to Israel. Last Wednesday, more than 600 legal experts in the U.K. sent a 17-page letter to the Prime Minister, urging him to suspend British arms exports to Israel.
Since then, a growing number of British politicians – including Sadiq Khan, former Cabinet ministers, and Conservative backbenchers – have made similar demands. However, we believe succumbing to these demands would be a grave mistake with far-reaching consequences.
In the grand scheme of the global arms trade, the UK’s exports to Israel are relatively small, amounting to £42 million in 2022. According to a 2023 report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, which studies conflicts and arms, 69 percent of Israel’s arms purchases come from US firms, 30 per cent from Germany, and only 0.02 per cent from the UK.
However, the symbolic significance of halting UK exports cannot be understated. As debates over ethical foreign policy and human rights continue to gain traction, the UK’s stance on arms sales to Israel carries profound implications for its moral standing and international reputation.
In a region marred by volatility and threats of annihilation, Britain’s unwavering support for Israel is not just a matter of geopolitics; it’s a moral imperative deeply rooted in history and shared values. As the clamour for an arms embargo against Israel gets louder, we believe Britain must stand firm in its support for the Jewish state.
British support for the state of Israel begins with the Balfour Declaration of 1917. This sowed the seeds for the reestablishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine. This seminal document represents a commitment to the Jewish people’s right to self-determination—a commitment that Britain must uphold in the face of contemporary challenges.
In 1922, Britain obtained a mandate for Palestine from the League of Nations and during that time there were successive waves of immigration to Palestine which then culminated in the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948.
Beyond shared values, Israel is a key ally of the UK in the Middle East, sharing intelligence, technology, and strategic interests. Halted arms exports could strain this crucial alliance, potentially undermining cooperation on security and counterterrorism efforts. Maintaining strong ties with Israel is essential for advancing shared objectives and promoting stability in the region.
The Middle East is a volatile region plagued by conflicts and tensions. Israel’s security concerns are legitimate, given the threats it faces from hostile monolithic theocratic neighbours and non-state actors. Israel finds itself surrounded by hostile states openly committed to its destruction. From rocket attacks launched by Hamas to the belligerent rhetoric of Iran, Israel faces existential threats daily.
Iran said on Tuesday it would take revenge on Israel for an airstrike that killed two of its generals and five military advisers at its embassy compound in Damascus, raising the risk of further escalation in conflict in the Middle East. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, has vowed revenge, claiming the “Zionist regime” will be “punished by the hands of our brave men.”
In such a perilous environment, Britain’s steadfast support is not just a gesture of solidarity, but a strategic imperative for safeguarding regional stability.
If the UK were to withdraw its support for Israel, it could significantly undermine the progress made through the Abraham Accords, which have been instrumental in fostering diplomatic ties and improving relationships in the Middle East region. These accords, brokered in 2020, marked a historic breakthrough, normalizing relations between Israel and several Arab nations.
The UK’s support for Israel not only strengthens its position within the accords but also signifies a commitment to regional stability and peace. Withdrawal of support could lead to a loss of momentum and trust among signatory nations, jeopardizing the positive trajectory of diplomatic efforts in the region.
Any concerns about humanitarian issues in conflict zones should be addressed through diplomatic channels rather than punitive measures like arms embargoes. Britain, along with the international community, should engage in constructive dialogue and diplomatic efforts to promote peace, de-escalate tensions, and address the root causes of conflict.
This is not to say that we should give Israel a carte blanche in all its policies. Like any democracy, Israel is far from perfect, but it upholds democratic values. It maintains an independent judiciary, a free press, and robust civil liberties. The media’s attempts to give moral equivalence to Hamas and Israel belittles these achievements. By supporting Israel’s efforts to protect its citizens from attacks by terrorist organizations like Hamas, Britain stands on the side of democracy and freedom.
Turning our back on Israel would not only betray the values that drew us to the Conservative Party but also undermine the party’s credibility. Margaret Thatcher was known for her steadfast convictions and unwavering support for allies who shared her commitment to freedom and democracy.
Among these allies, none garnered more fervent backing than Israel. Thatcher’s support for Israel wasn’t just a matter of political expediency. It was a reflection of her deeply held beliefs and strategic vision for the Middle East.
For us, supporting Israel is not just a matter of politics—it is a moral imperative rooted in our history and the lessons of the past. As proud Conservatives, we stand firm in our commitment to Israel’s right to exist in peace and security. And should the Conservatives ever falter in that commitment, we will not hesitate to take a stand and defend the principles that brought us into its fold.
The post Greg Smith and Bella Wallersteiner: Israel and Britain should stand together appeared first on Conservative Home.
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Author: Greg Smith MP and Bella Wallersteiner
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