Consistent Support: UK’s Backing of Israel in Gaza Conflict Remains Strong, Regardless of Party Affiliation
As the UK considers imposing a ban on arms sales to Israel, infighting in the Conservative Party poses a threat to the British government’s approach to dealing with an actual conflict.
Six months ago, the “conservatives” in the United Kingdom, who are usually divided on many issues, united in an unusual way regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Hamas movement.
On the other hand, the opposition Labor Party found itself unable to hide its internal divisions, as a number of its deputies put pressure on the party’s leader, Keir Starmer, to take a tougher stance against Israel amid the horrific events taking place in the Gaza Strip.
But the roles have now reversed. Following the killing of seven aid workers in Gaza, Labor is mainly standing by demanding that the British government halt arms exports to Israel if a legal consultation confirms violations of international humanitarian law.
It is noteworthy here that even at present, the position of the “Labour” Party remains more cautious than that of the “Scottish National Party” (SNP), the “Free Democrats” party, and the “Green Party,” which are the political forces that called for an unconditional ban on arms exports.
It is worth noting that the British Labor Party’s historical support for the Palestinian cause has always been a source of concern for its leader, Keir Starmer.
While the once vocal pro-Arab wing of the Conservative Party has remained relatively silent, it can be said that the overwhelming majority of the Conservatives support Israel, with the Conservative Friends of Israel forming a highly influential pressure group within the party.
However, the “conservatives” have currently shown division regarding selling weapons to Israel. Rishi Sunak is under pressure from some Conservative members of parliament in the House of Commons and the House of Lords to impose this ban, even though they represent a minority.
Alan Duncan, former Secretary of State in the Foreign Office, sparked a heated dispute within the Conservative Party by calling, through the Independent newspaper, for a ban on arms sales. Subsequent radio interviews – in which he called for action against what he described as “extremists” who support Israel within the Conservative Party, including members of the government – may result in his expulsion from the party.
Duncan was quickly accused of using “stereotypical anti-Semitic connotations” when he suggested that some British parliamentarians were “following orders” from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Despite the firm position that Duncan takes towards Israel, he chose a specific time for his intervention through the Independent newspaper, which coincided with a global outburst of anger over the killing of aid workers. His expulsion from the party would send a worrying signal to British public opinion.
The issue of support for Israel will also be a crucial test in the upcoming competition for the British Conservative Party’s leadership, whether before or after the general election. Former Interior Minister Suella Braverman (who intends to compete for party leadership) has previously stated her position.
Finally, it remains to say that the “conservatives,” who are already profoundly divided regarding internal affairs, have added another point of contention to their agenda. The confrontation or “civil war” within the party now extends to a real war taking place outside.
