Netanyahu slams UK Labour government as rogue, accuses it of aiding Israel’s enemies
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Natalie Lisbona that Britain’s Labour government is acting like a rogue state by opposing Israel and appeasing Islamist forces.
Benjamin Netanyahu met with journalist Natalie Lisbona inside a fortified studio near the Knesset, describing the British Labour government’s recent settlement trade ban and arms-licence restrictions as "rogue" behavior. He highlighted Israel’s role in alerting British security services to an Iran-sponsored plot against RAF Fairford, saying the attack was averted thanks to Israeli intelligence. Netanyahu accused Labour of yielding to internal pressure from an "Islamist Leftist alliance" and warned that such appeasement undermines both British and global security.
He reiterated Israel’s view of the UK as a historic ally despite current policy differences and warned that continued hostility could damage intelligence cooperation. The interview also touched on recent regional incidents, including a foiled hijack attempt on a Flydubai flight and ongoing threats from Iran and Hamas. Netanyahu concluded by urging Britain to regain control of its borders and to refocus its anger on Iran rather than Israel.
Why it matters
The interview signals a sharp diplomatic rift that could affect UK-Israel security cooperation and trade.
How this story developed
- Sep 1 EU debates ban on settlement products as Israeli forces raze West Bank homes
- Sep 10 Israeli opposition parties offered no substantive response to the UK sanctions.
- Sep 12 Eisenkot’s Yashar party entered the race with a poll showing 23 projected seats.
- Sep 13 US activists created a whistle‑blower hotline and warned firms could be targeted under anti‑BDS laws.
- Sep 14 British foreign secretary expected to announce a trade ban on settlement‑linked goods.
- Sep 18 The UN rights office issued a warning that the displacement of over 33,000 refugees from West Bank camps may amount to crimes against humanity.
- Sep 23 A man in his forties was seriously wounded when a vehicle rammed a police car at a checkpoint near Modi'in on the road to the West Bank.
- Sep 23 Israel's Central Elections Committee barred the Joint List from the upcoming Knesset election, prompting the alliance to label the move racist and vow a Supreme Court appeal.
- Sep 23 The checkpoint’s security personnel have been reinforced and an investigation launched.
- Sep 24 The electoral commission has acted on two Arab party lists.
- Sep 27 Netanyahu publicly urged right‑wing parties to merge ahead of the election.
- Sep 29 Three teenagers were arrested in connection with the raid.
- Oct 2 The Central Elections Committee voted 18-5 to bar the United Arab List and the Joint List from the ballot.
- Oct 2 Balad leader Sami Abu Shehadeh withdrew his candidacy following the court's indication it may approve a disqualification petition.
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