The National Jewish Assembly (NJA) supports Israel’s decision to deny entry to British MPs Yuan Yang and Abtisam Mohamed, who were stopped at Ben-Gurion Airport after reportedly misrepresenting the nature of their visit and expressing intent to engage in anti-Israel activities.
Despite claims by the MPs and Foreign Secretary David Lammy that this was a “parliamentary delegation,” the Israeli authorities were clear that no official coordination had taken place and that the group had falsely claimed official status. Upon questioning, both MPs allegedly revealed that their purpose was to “document Israeli security forces” and disseminate hostile rhetoric—clear political activism, not diplomacy.
This is not a free speech issue. It is a matter of national security and the sovereign right of a democratic country to deny entry to individuals, regardless of rank or title, who seek to delegitimise it on the world stage. Israel is under no obligation to welcome those who aim to distort its actions and fuel international hostility, especially at a time of conflict and surging antisemitism.
NJA Managing Director Steve Winston said: “Israel does not exist to serve as a backdrop for foreign politicians looking to score points with radicalised factions in their own parties. If MPs arrive with the sole aim of vilifying the Jewish state and advancing hostile propaganda, they should expect to be shown the door.
Israel has every right to protect itself – not just from rockets, but from reputational assault disguised as parliamentary mission work. Instead of lecturing Israel, David Lammy should be asking why British MPs are engaging in political stunts rather than helping to bring home the hostages or address the tsunami of antisemitism sweeping the UK.”
At a time when British Jews are targeted in record numbers, and when terrorism is still glorified by some public figures, the NJA urges the UK government to take a firmer stand in support of its democratic ally, not criticise it for exercising basic prudence.
