Israel slams UK for suspending trade talks as diplomatic tensions flare over Gaza conflict and West Bank sanctions, dismissing the move as futile external pressure.
At a Glance
- The United Kingdom has suspended free trade talks with Israel and imposed new sanctions on West Bank settlers
- Israel’s Foreign Ministry claimed the trade talks were already stalled and accused the UK of harming its own citizens due to “anti-Israel obsession”
- The Israeli government referenced the recent death of Tzeela Gez in a terror attack while criticizing the UK’s sanctions
- UK Foreign Minister David Lammy, alongside France and Canada, called for Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza
- Israel firmly rejected external pressure, stating that the “British Mandate ended exactly 77 years ago”
Israel Rebuffs UK’s Trade Suspension
The Israeli Foreign Ministry has issued a sharp rebuke to the United Kingdom following its decision to suspend free trade talks and impose new sanctions related to the West Bank. The diplomatic rift widened as Israel characterized the UK’s actions as driven by “anti-Israel obsession” rather than genuine policy concerns. Israeli officials pointed out that the trade negotiations had already stalled under the current UK government, suggesting the announcement was more symbolic than substantive in nature.
The suspension comes amid escalating concerns over Israel’s military operations in Gaza, which UK Foreign Minister David Lammy described as entering a “dark new phase.” The Israeli government dismissed the significance of the UK’s actions, emphasizing that any agreement would have been mutually beneficial to both nations and suggesting Britain was only hurting its own economic interests.
Security Concerns and Historical Context
In its official response, Israel’s Foreign Ministry took a defiant stance by invoking historical context to dismiss external pressure. The Ministry pointedly reminded the UK that “the British Mandate ended exactly 77 years ago” and affirmed that Israel would continue to defend itself against threats regardless of international pressure. This reference to Britain’s former control over the region underscores Israel’s determination to maintain sovereignty in security matters.
“Even prior to today’s announcement, the free trade agreement negotiations were not being advanced at all by the current UK government. More than that, the agreement would serve the mutual benefit of both countries. If, due to anti-Israel obsession and domestic political considerations, the British government is willing to harm the British economy – that is its own prerogative,” said Israel’s Foreign Ministry
Israeli officials highlighted the recent death of Tzeela Gez in a terror attack as context for their security measures in the West Bank. The timing of the UK’s sanctions was particularly sensitive following this attack, with Israel viewing the British measures as undermining legitimate security operations in Palestinian territories. The Israeli government has consistently maintained that its actions in the West Bank are necessary defensive measures against terrorism.
LFI responds to suspension of free trade talks with Israel.https://t.co/rOC4sQo9Ys pic.twitter.com/wB3ictiH7l
— Labour Friends of Israel (@_LFI) May 20, 2025
International Pressure on Gaza Aid
Beyond the trade suspension, the UK has joined with France and Canada in pressuring Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza. The three nations issued a joint statement urging Israel to end restrictions on aid deliveries, threatening further actions if their demands aren’t met. Israeli authorities have recently permitted limited aid into Gaza after an 11-week restriction period, but international organizations continue to call for significantly more assistance.
“The British Mandate ended exactly 77 years ago. External pressure will not divert Israel from its path in defending its existence and security against enemies who seek its destruction.” again, the Foreign Ministry from Israel
The Israeli government has maintained that Hamas has not infiltrated aid distribution channels, addressing concerns that humanitarian supplies could be diverted to the terrorist organization. David Lammy justified the UK’s actions by stating that “the Netanyahu government’s actions have made this necessary.” The diplomatic standoff highlights the complex balancing act between humanitarian concerns and security imperatives that continues to shape international responses to the Gaza conflict.
