Chief Rabbi criticises government’s Palestinian decision as ‘unfathomable misstep’
Rabbi Mirvis said the Government's announcement, which came on Tuesday afternoon, "'can only disincentivise Hamas from agreeing to a ceasefire'
The Chief Rabbi has described the government’s decision to unilaterally recognise a Palestinian state as an “unfathomable misstep” which “fundamentally undermines the cause of peace and security for Palestinians and Israelis alike” – joining a wide range of Jewish organisations who have criticised the foreign policy shift.
In comments posted on social media, Chief Rabbi Mirvis described how “our Government has announced its intention to recognise a Palestinian State – even if terrorists remain in power and hostages remain captive in tunnels.
“This can only disincentivise Hamas from agreeing to a ceasefire. It therefore fundamentally undermines the cause of peace and security for Palestinians and Israelis alike. The asymmetry of establishing a clear ultimatum for Israel but not for Hamas is an unfathomable misstep.”
He went on to say that “so many in the Jewish community are viewing this as a profound betrayal of Israel’s quest to live free of terror on its borders. And as is often the case, when the Jewish state appears more vulnerable, extremists at home and abroad are emboldened, and Jewish people are more vulnerable as a result.”
The government’s announcement that it would officially recognise a Palestinian state in September unless Israel fulfilled a number of conditions – including signing a ceasefire agreement with Hamas – came some 72 hours after the Prime Minister had stated that recognition of such a state needed to be part of a “wider plan which ultimately results in a two-state solution and lasting security for Palestinians and Israelis”. The decision has been widely condemned within the Jewish community, including by former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari, and the British families of the hostages, as reported by Jewish News earlier today.
Chief Rabbi Mirvis also cited the Biblical book of Lamentations, due to be read on the Fast of Tisha B’Av next week, describing it as “painfully apposite.”
He proceeded to “implore” the Government “to apply unyielding pressure where it belongs – on Hamas, the single greatest danger to the population of Gaza and the principal obstacle to peace.”
Progressive Judaism also released a statement, saying: “We affirm the Jewish people’s right to self-determination in our historic homeland. We also recognise the parallel right of the Palestinian people to live in dignity, freedom and security in a state of their own.
“This must not be a reward for violence. Hamas – a terrorist organisation that rejects Israel’s right to exist – continues to hold hostages and exerts control over parts of the Palestinian population. We welcome the Prime Minister’s demands on Hamas – that they must release all the hostages, disarm, and play no role in the future government of Gaza.
“Recognition must not embolden those who reject peace or undermine those working for a negotiated future, but encourage leadership on both sides invested in peace. It must be part of a commitment to the hard, necessary work of building a just and lasting peace, for Israelis and Palestinians alike.”
The Government has received particular criticism for its lack of clarity as to whether it also requires Hamas to fulfil any conditions before a Palestinian state is recognised. The Jewish Leadership Council noted that “the announcement has failed to make clear that the release of the hostages and end of Hamas rule is a condition of recognition. Unless this is made clear, recognition can only be seen as a reward from the UK for terrorism.”
The Board of Deputies said it was “seeking clarification that the UK Government will not recognise a Palestinian State while Hamas fails to meet UK demands, including accepting a ceasefire and releasing the hostages.”
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