Israel, USA: Spotlight on Labour’s Foreign Policy

Less than a month into their tenure, the new Labour government under Sir Keir Starmer, with David Lammy serving as Foreign Secretary, has embarked on a path that threatens to dismantle the UK’s longstanding alliances with the USA and Israel. Labour’s controversial policy announcements and political statements are not only misguided but potentially damaging to the UK’s international standing.

Troubled Waters with the USA

The “special relationship” between the UK and the USA has been a cornerstone of British foreign policy for decades. However, recent developments have cast clouds over this vital alliance. At the Republican National Convention (RNC) currently ongoing in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Donald Trump’s running mate and Vice President pick, J.D. Vance, made a jarring comment that encapsulates the growing trans-Atlantic friction. Vance quipped, “The UK will be the first Islamic country to be a nuclear power after Labour stepped into government.” This sardonic remark, though intended as humor, underscores a growing perception in some American political circles that the UK’s direction under Labour is cause for concern.

Lammy’s past criticisms of Trump have not helped matters. Lammy has been vocal about his disdain for Trump’s policies, labeling them as “divisive” and “dangerous” on numerous occasions. While criticism of Trump is not unique, Lammy’s approach has been particularly confrontational, reflecting a broader shift in the UK’s diplomatic tone that could alienate one of its most crucial allies, if the Trump-Vance bid, which seems likely, ultimately succeeds. There are already signs of discomfort emerging, with Trump stating publicly that he will bypass Lammy and make Nigel Farage his “link” to the UK, if elected.

A Radical Shift in Israel Policy

The Labour government’s stance on Israel is equally concerning. Both Starmer and Lammy have taken positions that are overtly antagonistic towards the Israeli government, aligning more with anti-Zionist sentiments than with a balanced diplomatic approach.

Starmer and Lammy’s advocacy for the recognition of a Palestinian state has been one of their most contentious policies. They argue this step is essential for peace, but critics see it as a one-sided approach that undermines Israel’s security. Unilateral recognition of Palestine without a negotiated settlement is not a step towards peace, but a step away from it. The Labour leadership’s support for the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) investigation into alleged war crimes by Israel has further strained relations. This stance is seen by many as an attempt to delegitimize Israel’s right to self-defense. “The ICC’s focus on Israel, while ignoring egregious human rights abuses in other countries, smacks of bias,” argues legal expert Alan Dershowitz. Such moves only serve to embolden those who seek to isolate Israel on the global stage. In a further gesture that has drawn widespread condemnation, Lammy has also supported calls for an arrest warrant issued by the ICC against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Karim Khan, ICC’s Chief Prosecutor, claimed Netanyahu should be held accountable for actions he describes as “violations of international law.” This unprecedented stance by the Foreign Secretary not only disrupts diplomatic norms but also undermines the UK’s role as a mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Diplomatic Engagements and Tensions

Despite these aggressive policies, Lammy met with Netanyahu, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, and Foreign Minister Israel Katz on July 15. These meetings, however, did little to bridge the deep policy divides. Netanyahu reportedly expressed his serious concerns over the Labour government’s positions, emphasizing that such policies could lead to further instability in the region.

David Lammy’s controversial statements regarding a ceasefire in Gaza have sparked intense debate. He vehemently criticized Israel’s military actions as “disproportionate and inhumane,” urging an immediate ceasefire to halt civilian casualties. Lammy’s remarks accused Israel of “excessive force” and called for international intervention to enforce peace. His rhetoric drew sharp rebukes from Israeli officials, who labeled his comments as one-sided and undermining of Israel’s right to self-defense. Despite international calls for mediation, Lammy’s persistent advocacy for Palestinian rights has polarized opinions, highlighting deep-rooted diplomatic rifts. His unwavering support for Palestinian sovereignty underscored a broader shift in Labour’s foreign policy, challenging longstanding UK-Israel relations.

A Perilous Path Ahead

The new Labour government’s foreign policy decisions reflect a dramatic and, some would argue, dangerous shift in the UK’s international posture. By adopting a confrontational approach towards key allies like the USA and Israel, Starmer and Lammy risk isolating the UK on the world stage. Labour policies, driven by global-left ideology rather than pragmatic diplomacy, threaten to damage decades of established relationships and undermine the UK’s global influence. As the world watches, the question remains: will the Labour government recalibrate its approach, or will it continue down this perilous path?