Surprise to hear Israeli ambassador dismiss two-state solution, UK minister says
Andrew Mitchell faced questions about whether Britain could rely upon ambassador Tzipi Hotovely as a “faithful conveyor of the Israeli government’s message”.
It was a “surprise” to hear Israel’s ambassador to the UK say she does not support a two-state solution, a Foreign Office minister said, amid calls from senior Tories to ban illegal settler goods.
Andrew Mitchell faced questions about whether Britain could rely upon ambassador Tzipi Hotovely as a “faithful conveyor of the Israeli government’s message”, after she told Sky News in December she did not support a two-state solution to the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Conservative former Cabinet minister Kit Malthouse meanwhile urged ministers to ban trade with illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
In the Commons, Tory former minister Richard Fuller questioned whether Ms Hotovely was speaking for herself or her Government, when she said she did not support a two-state solution in the Middle East.
Mr Fuller, who was a minister under Liz Truss, said: “Recently the Israeli ambassador to the UK very candidly said there was absolutely no chance of a two-state solution.
“I would be interested if he has worked out whether she was speaking independently or whether she reflected the views of the Israeli government.
“If the latter, doesn’t that sound like a slap in the face of UK policy? If the former and she was making up her own view, how can she be relied upon as a faithful conveyor of the Israeli government’s message?”
Foreign Office minister Mr Mitchell replied: “I think that he will have noted a variety of different comments that have come out of Israeli spokesmen and Israeli ministers.
“But it is very strongly the policy of the British Government and many other governments too that we should work, when this appalling conflict is over, towards a two-state solution where both Israel and Palestine can live behind secure and safe borders.”
After being pressed by Labour MP Clive Betts (Sheffield South East), Mr Mitchell added: “It was perhaps a matter of surprise that the ambassador chose to express herself at this point in precisely that way, but he will be aware of the policy of the British Government, which is to support a two-state solution.”
Former Cabinet minister Mr Malthouse suggested ministers must do more to deter settler violence in the occupied West Bank.
Mr Malthouse told the Commons: “In a very welcome move the Government obviously announced that it was going to bring in travel bans on violent settlers, but does the minister agree in order to deter this activity, which is worsening by the day, something more draconian may be needed, and would he look please at instituting immediate bans on trade with settlements?”
Mr Mitchell said: “That is not the policy of the Government and he will be aware that we are opposed to boycotts, divestments and sanctions (BDS).”
The minister urged MPs to “wait until Wednesday” to debate the matter, when the Commons will consider a Bill which would prevent local councils from engaging in the BDS movement which targets goods and businesses from Israel.
Elsewhere, Mr Mitchell faced calls to reveal the British Government’s position on legal proceedings filed by South Africa accusing Israel of committing “genocidal” acts in Gaza.
He said: “It is not for me to exercise that judgment and the truth of the matter is I have not read all 84 pages but I have been briefed on it, and I think it must now be left to the court to reach its determination.”
However, Conservative former attorney general Michael Ellis said South Africa’s case had “no legal merit whatsoever” and that Israel’s actions were in “lawful self defence”.
He called on the Government to criticise South Africa’s actions, adding: “Is he aware that South Africa are geopolitically moving towards Iran and openly support Hamas?
“Indeed their foreign secretary said that Israel doesn’t even have the right to defend itself. They are in danger of becoming a terrorist proxy.”
Main
17:058 Jan 2024698 words
POLITICSIsrael
‘Stark’ famine risk as UK lobbies Israel to allow more aid to reach Gaza
(adds pars 17 and 18) (see also COMMONS Defence)
Britain is lobbying Israel “hard and regularly” to ensure more humanitarian aid reaches Gaza, amid warnings the risk of famine is “stark”.
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.
