LONDON — U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer rejected a claim by his Israeli counterpart that the U.K. undermined Israel’s security when it blocked some arms exports to Tel Aviv.
Starmer pushed back at Benjamin Netanyahu after the Israeli PM accused the U.K. of “sending a horrible message” to Hamas by suspending some arms export licenses to Israel.
Britain’s move came amid concern in Whitehall that exports could be used in violation of international law as Israel conducts its campaign against Hamas in Gaza.
Pressed by LBC Radio on whether Netanyahu’s comments were correct, Starmer said: “No, he’s not right about that. We had to comply with international law and our domestic law in relation to that. I’ve always been clear, I support Israel’s right to self-defense, I’ve been robust about that.”
He added: “I’ve taken blows in relation to that — there’s no doubting that support — but it’s got to be done in accordance with international law.”
Starmer insisted that Israel and the U.K. remain strong allies despite notable shifts in Middle East policy since his Labour government entered office in July. Starmer’s government has also dropped Britain’s opposition to the International Criminal Court seeking an arrest warrant against Netanyahu. And it has restored £21 million of funding to UNRWA, the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency.
“We’re in contact with the Israeli government all the time as you would expect,” Starmer told LBC. “They’re an important ally and I have long respected and supported Israel’s right to self-defense.”
His comments — made en route to the U.N. General Assembly in New York — come as the U.K. reiterates its plea for British nationals in Lebanon to “leave immediately” amid widespread Israeli strikes inside the country targeting Hezbollah.
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