OPINION: The UK and Israel need closer dialogue, not megaphone diplomacy
The UK should work more directly with Israel to end the current conflict, not inflict unilateral retribution
The late Shimon Peres liked to tell the story of two naval vessels crossing paths in the Mediterranean in the late 1940s. The Royal Navy commander waves and calls over to his interlocutor not seeing the flag, and ask him where he came from. “Haifa” the second one answered. To which the Brit enquired, “do you still have a problem with the Jews over there?”
This week feels like a reminder that even among enlightened allies, some still have a problem with the projection of Jewish power. While it’s completely legitimate for allies, even close allies to have profound disagreements, both sides should realise that instead of megaphone diplomacy the appropriate protocol to overcome these challenges is closer dialogue, better communication and empathy, not unilateral retribution.
The British government’s pronouncements sound out of touch to Israeli ears. Far away from the comfort of Westminster, the harsh reality is keenly felt across Israel, particularly at a time when life is still regularly interrupted by Houthi missiles. Halting negotiations on a free trade deal appears vindictive and self defeating. Sanctions against Israeli settlers, however loathsome, does not bring peace any closer.
Regarding Gaza, it is incumbent on Israel to share enough intelligence for the Brits to know that there is no starvation. Similarly the measures the IDF takes to avoid civilians must be shared with their British counterparts too. Furthermore, they should be made aware of Hamas tactics, including diverting aid, as well as the highly problematic role of UNRWA in perpetuating Hamas rule. The UK government should be supporting the US efforts to establish a new mechanism to efficiently deliver aid directly to the Gazan people, circumventing and disempowering Hamas. The UK could also use its own close ties with Qatar to encourage them to cut their financial support to Hamas and clearly articulate that there can be no future rebuild if Hamas remain in power.
It is our obligation to remember every day the fate of the remaining hostages held in Hamas dungeons. That it remains an open wound in Israel, Jews around the world and non-Jewish allies with a moral compass. I’m left thinking, what would the British government be doing if the equivalent – 300 Brits – were being held captive for close to 600 days?
Richard Pater is the director of the Britain Israel Communications and Research Centre (BICOM) in Israel
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.
