Labour Party Expected to Take Tougher Stance on Israel, Activists Say

TL/DR –

Pro-Palestine activists in the UK anticipate a strong shift in the Labour party’s stance towards Israel following the increase of local Green party support, potential leadership change, and growing public demand for a ban on arms export to Israel. The potential next UK Prime Ministers, Wes Streeting and Andy Burnham, have previously urged for more support for Palestine. Factors such as the departure of key Starmer aides, the Green surge, a recent poll showing 78% of Labour members want a total ban on arms to Israel, and the rise of internal strife in Gaza are expected to bring about a significant shift in Labour’s approach to the Middle East crisis.

Pro-Palestine activists predict a shift in the Labour party’s approach to the Middle East crisis, possibly leading to a tougher stance on Israel.

Factors such as the threat of the Green party’s rise in local elections, Keir Starmer’s expected departure from No 10, and growing support for an arms ban to Israel among Labour members fuel this optimism.

Potential successors to Starmer, Wes Streeting and Andy Burnham, have previously advocated for greater support to Palestine. Streeting had even accused Israel of committing war crimes.

The most significant government action to date is the partial suspension of arms exports to Israel in September 2024 and recognition of Palestine as a state in 2025.

Expected Changes in Leadership Drive Optimism

Brian Brivati, historian and executive director of the British Palestine Project, anticipates significant changes in government. Recent shifts like the departure of Starmer’s adviser Morgan McSweeney signal potential changes in Labour’s approach.

A poll by Medical Aid for Palestinians showed 87% support for a ban on trade with illegal settlements, and 78% support a total ban on all arms shipments to Israel. With increasing deaths in Gaza and the failure of the Board of Peace, a leadership change could mean a major shift in Labour’s policy.

UK’s Approach to Israel-Palestine Crisis

Emily Thornberry, chair of the foreign affairs select committee, recently claimed that Labour had failed the Palestinians and questioned the government’s inaction regarding the West Bank conflict.

At a British Palestine Project (BPP) conference, Thornberry reflected the growing frustration and called for more action. The consensus suggested potential actions could include a full trade ban, a clarification on the 2024 international court of justice decision about the occupation’s legality, and deterring UK and European firms from bidding for E1 settlement area tenders.

This week, the government imposed sanctions on settler groups and launched a new peace fund to support initiatives building trust between communities.

Call for Greater UK Involvement in Israel-Palestine Issue

Vincent Fean, a former consul general in Jerusalem, claimed that Europe lost control of the Palestinian issue to Trump and urged the UK to play a more prominent role.

Daniel Levy, a former Israeli negotiator, called for a focused approach to influence Israel’s actions and suggested that sports events like Eurovision and football can send strong signals to Israel.

“We are witnessing the tectonic plates shifting. The Israeli-US war on Iran is likely to accelerate a shift away from the US. You undermine Zionism by offering something else. Apartheid was undermined by proposing a freedom charter that offered something else to the Afrikaners and white population of South Africa,” Levy said.