Israel threatens to pull UK security ties if Starmer recognises Palestine
Jerusalem may suspend vital security cooperation if the UK recognises Palestinian statehood without a peace process or hostage release
Israel is considering halting defence and intelligence cooperation with the UK if Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer proceeds with unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state next month, diplomatic sources have warned.
According to a report in The Times, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is assessing a range of potential responses, including downgrading security ties, if Britain presses ahead with recognition outside the framework of a peace deal.
One official quoted in the report said countries “should carefully consider” the consequences of such a move. Another warned: “London needs to be careful because Bibi (Netanyahu) and his ministers have cards they could play too. Israel values its partnership with the UK but recent decisions mean it is coming under pressure, and the UK has a lot to lose if Israel’s government decides to take steps in response.”
Starmer has said Britain will recognise a Palestinian state unless Israel significantly increases aid into Gaza, halts annexation of West Bank territory, agrees to a ceasefire and enters into a long-term political process. Israel has strongly condemned the move, describing it as a reward for terrorism while hostages remain captive in Gaza.
An Israeli embassy spokesperson said: “This counterproductive move will certainly not contribute to deepening the mutually beneficial relations between Israel and those who advance this ill faith agenda.”
Defence and intelligence cooperation between the two countries is extensive. Israeli intelligence has provided MI5 with critical information on Iranian-backed threats in the UK, including details that helped thwart an alleged terror plot targeting Israel’s embassy in London. Five men were arrested in what became one of the UK’s largest recent counter-terror operations.
The UK has also used Israeli-manufactured drones in military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, while Israeli defence equipment has been credited with saving the lives of British soldiers. Trade in the defence sector alone is valued at around £6 billion and supports an estimated 38,000 jobs in the UK.
Israeli firms supply weapons systems, software and components to British defence companies such as BAE Systems. The impact of a breakdown in ties would be felt on both sides, though sources say Israeli ministers remain divided on how far to go.
According to The Times, some within the Israeli government fear that ending the relationship could damage the Israeli economy and sever crucial British military assistance – including RAF flights over Gaza that are supporting the search for Israeli hostages.
The UK continues to provide spare parts for Israeli F-35 fighter jets, despite suspending other export licences last year due to concerns over potential violations of international law in Gaza.
Any such move to pull security cooperation would mark a historic low in UK-Israel relations. Tensions have already escalated after the UK imposed sanctions on two Israeli ministers in June and suspended multiple defence export licences in September 2024.
While some analysts believe Israel is unlikely to follow through on the threat, they caution that even raising the prospect signals the depth of Jerusalem’s frustration.
The UK government responded to the report saying: “We do not comment on anonymous speculation about intelligence matters.”
A final decision on Palestine state recognition is expected to be made before the UN General Assembly meets in September.
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