Citing Israel’s conduct in Gaza, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Tuesday announced the suspension of free trade agreement negotiations with the Israeli government.
‘Conduct of the war in Gaza is damaging the bilateral relationship’
The UK Foreign Secretary stressed that while the UK remains firmly committed to Israel’s security and its fight against terrorism and antisemitism, the “conduct of the war in Gaza” is damaging the bilateral relationship.
In a statement to the House of Commons on the situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Lammy said, “Today, I am announcing that we have suspended negotiations with this Israeli government on a new free trade agreement. We will be reviewing cooperation with them under the 2030 Bilateral Roadmap. The Netanyahu government’s actions have made this necessary.”
‘We are unwavering in our commitment’
He further said, “I say now to the people of Israel: we want, I want a strong friendship with you based on our shared values with flourishing ties between our people and societies. We are unwavering in our commitment to your security and your future, to countering the very real threat from Iran, the scourge of terrorism and the evils of antisemitism. But the conduct of the war in Gaza is damaging our relationship with your government. And, as the Prime Minister has said, if Israel pursues this military offensive as it has threatened, failing to ensure the unhindered provision of aid, we will take further actions in response.”
Lammy also reaffirmed the UK’s support for a two-state solution.
‘UK will not give up on a two-state solution’
“The UK will not give up on a two-state solution. Israelis living in secure borders, recognised and at peace with their neighbours, free from the threat of terrorism. Palestinians living in their own state, in dignity and security, free of occupation.”
Meanwhile, in a rebuke to the UK’s decision to suspend free trade talks and impose sanctions on Israeli settlers, Israel’s Foreign Ministry accused the British government of prioritising “anti-Israel obsession” and “domestic politics” over mutual economic interests.
The ministry further called the UK sanctions against residents of Judea and Samaria “unjustified and regrettable.”
‘British government is willing to harm the British economy’
Sharing a post on X, the Israel Foreign Ministry said, “Following the UK’s announcement that it will suspend free trade agreement negotiations with Israel and impose sanctions on settlers, 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.”
