Sajid Javid says he’ll ‘fight those who undermine Israel’

Communities Secretary Sajid Javid has told British and American Jewish representatives that he would “fight those who undermine Israel”.

The cabinet minister, who was speaking at a meeting with the American Jewish Committee and the Board of Deputies in London, told his audience that boycotts of Israel were “unjustified and counter-productive”.

He said: “For all its bluster, the BDS campaign is most notable for its lack of success. Trade between Israel and the UK is booming, tourism in both directions is thriving.”

On Israel, Javid said: “As long as I am in government, as long as I am in politics, I promise you that I will do everything within my power to fight back against those who seek to isolate and undermine Israel.”

It was the first London meeting between the AJC and the Board since the two umbrella groups signed an association agreement in 2016. The delegation also met Middle East Minister Alistair Burt and Minister for International Trade Greg Hands.