UK wishes Israel happy 75th birthday: ‘Stand together against Iran, antisemitism’

The United Kingdom wished Israel happy 75th Independence Day, stating that the “extremely close” allies stand together against the threat of Iran and the “wider scourge of antisemitism.”

The British embassy in Tel Aviv issued a statement, saying the UK is “proud to be linked to Israel’s thriving technology industry – from cybersecurity, fintech, and healthcare, to energy and climate tech. UK companies have established partnerships and collaborations with Israeli companies in the tech sector.”

The embassy noted that over 400 Israeli technology firms have set up offices and operations in the UK, more than in any other European country. Trade between two reached over £7 billion annually in 2022, making Israel one of the UK’s most important trading partners.

“For the past 75 years, the UK has been clear about Israel’s right to exist and is unequivocal in supporting Israeli security and right to self-defence, in the face of threats from its neighbours, particularly Iran. The UK has often stood at the UN defending Israel against unwarranted and disproportionate criticism,” the embassy said.

Touching on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which his spiralled in recent months, the embassy repeated the UK’s support of the two-state solution, with Israel and a future Palestinian state “living side by side in peace and security.”

“This policy is a fulfilment of the Balfour Declaration but also results from a sincere belief that lasting security for Israel – preserving its Jewish and democratic character – requires a solution that offers equal rights and dignity for both Israelis and Palestinians,” the statement said.

UK’s Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, also issued a statement, saying the “strong ties between the UK and Israel over the past 75 years is a testament to the strength of our close and historic relationship.”

As for the future of the relationship, UK and Israel signed the 2030 roadmap for UK-Israel bilateral relation last month, which includes a new £20 million Scientific and Innovation programme, funded by both governments.