Portrait of Keir Starmer
Politician · country
Wikipedia (opens in new tab)

Keir Starmer on Israel

Evolving Two-State Advocate (strong) Position evolved

Keir Starmer's stance on Israel and the subsequent Gaza war has been marked by an initial strong affirmation of Israel's right to self-defence, followed by a progressive shift in response to the escalating humanitarian crisis and internal dissent.

When the conflict began in October 2023, Starmer stated Israel had the right to defend itself and eliminate Hamas, though he stressed adherence to international law, immediately facing controversy over remarks seemingly supporting cutting off essential supplies, which he subsequently sought to clarify.

As Prime Minister, Starmer has maintained the UK's support for Israel's security while calling for a ceasefire, increased aid, and importantly, announced the UK's conditional recognition of the State of Palestine in July 2025, underscoring his current backing for a two-state solution.

Context

Keir Starmer was a member of both Labour Friends of Israel and Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East as an MP, indicating an early engagement with the complexities of the relationship.

His position as Leader of the Opposition and subsequently Prime Minister places him at the centre of UK foreign policy, making his stance on the Gaza war a critical test of his leadership, especially given the deep divisions on this issue within the Labour Party.

Timeline

  1. Starmer stated Israel had the right to defend itself following the Hamas attack, including the right to return hostages.
  2. Starmer controversially stated Israel had the right to cut off power and water to Gaza, though adding it must be 'within international law,' sparking internal protest.
  3. Starmer suffered a significant Labour rebellion after defying a three-line whip to vote for an SNP motion calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
  4. As Prime Minister, Starmer's government suspended 30 out of 350 arms export licences to Israel due to a 'clear risk' of violating international law.
  5. Starmer issued a joint statement with Emmanuel Macron and Mark Carney condemning Israel's offensive, demanding a stop to military operations, and condemning population relocation suggestions.
  6. Starmer announced the UK would conditionally recognise the State of Palestine in September, contingent on a ceasefire, aid, and commitment to a two-state solution.
  7. The United Kingdom formally recognised Palestine as an independent state following the announcement conditions being met.

Actions Taken

  1. Foreign Policy Decision
    Suspended 30 of 350 arms export licences to Israel due to a 'clear risk' they could be used to violate international law.
  2. Diplomatic Stance
    Stated Netanyahu would be arrested if he travelled to the UK following an ICC arrest warrant request.
  3. International Statement
    Issued a joint statement condemning Israel's renewed offensive and demanding an immediate halt to military operations in Gaza.
  4. Diplomatic Recognition Policy
    Announced the UK would conditionally recognise the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly.
  5. Diplomatic Action
    The UK formally recognised Palestine as an independent state.

Related Positions

  • Arming Israel Starmer's government has suspended some arms export licences while overall UK military equipment sales to Israel in late 2024 exceeded the total of the prior four years.
  • State of Palestine Recognition The government made formal recognition conditional on Israel's compliance with a ceasefire, aid, and a two-state commitment, which was later enacted.
  • International Criminal Court (ICC) Starmer's government stated that if the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu, he would be arrested if he entered the UK.

Criticism

Labour Councillors (multiple)

Resigned in protest following Starmer's initial comments suggesting Israel had the right to cut off water and food supplies to Gaza in October 2023.

Hamas

Accused Starmer of siding with them after the announcement of conditional recognition of Palestine, following criticism of Israeli actions.

Benjamin Netanyahu

Accused Starmer of siding with Hamas, saying he was on the 'wrong side of justice, wrong side of humanity and wrong side of history' following the May 2025 condemnation.

Conservative politicians

Condemned the conditional recognition of Palestine as rewarding Hamas.

Sources5

* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.