The recent decision by the Labour government to impose a secret arms embargo on Israel as Iran readies a major assault is not just a diplomatic blunder; it is a perilous act of betrayal. This policy, born out of a misguided desire to appease the anti-Israel left, endangers the security of both Israel and the United Kingdom, emboldens Tehran and its proxies, and tarnishes the UK’s standing on the global stage.
The timing could not be worse. Iran’s permanent mission to the UN has openly declared that Hezbollah will soon strike deep into Israel, targeting civilians. Such overt threats of war crimes should be met with unwavering support for the victim nation, not a halt in arms exports. Labour’s actions effectively signal to terrorist organisations like Hamas and Hezbollah that their violent strategies are endorsed by the international community, undermining the moral clarity that should define British foreign policy.
The UK’s Defence Secretary, John Healey, and the Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Tony Radakin, recently returned from Israel, where they were briefed on the realities on the ground. Despite this, Labour seems more intent on mollifying its anti-Israel faction than standing by a key ally. This stance is not just morally indefensible but strategically reckless. Freezing arms sales during wartime implies that Israel is committing war crimes—a narrative that Labour’s leaders know to be false.
Labour’s recent policy shifts, including restoring funding to UNRWA and dropping the previous government’s objection to the International Criminal Court’s plans to issue arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, highlight a dangerous trend. These actions undermine Israel’s right to self-defence and embolden those who seek its annihilation. The pause in licencing and withholding military radios and body armour, in particular, is an egregious move that endangers Israeli soldiers and civilians already under threat from Iranian proxies.
The Labour government’s naivety is starkly evident in its call for an immediate ceasefire, which would only ensure Hamas’s survival. This, coupled with their advocacy for unilaterally recognising a Palestinian state, rewards terrorism and undermines genuine peace efforts. The notion that appeasing Iran and its allies will lead to peace is a dangerous delusion. Iran and its proxies do not operate under the same moral or political frameworks as Western democracies; they exploit perceived weakness and respect only strength.
The ramifications of Labour’s actions extend beyond Israel. Undermining a critical ally weakens the UK’s own national security. This appeasement of Iran invites further aggression not only against Israel but also against other friendly nations in the region. Such a posture could inspire greater extremist violence, including within the UK itself. Strong, unequivocal support for our allies and a hard line against our enemies are essential to containing violence both abroad and at home.
Labour’s foreign policy appears to be driven more by a need to placate its anti-Israel supporters than by a commitment to uphold international law and support democratic allies. This approach is not only misguided but dangerous.
Labour must reverse its course immediately. It should unequivocally support Israel, restore the arms trade, and stand firm against Iranian aggression. Only through moral clarity and steadfast support for Israel at its hour of need can the UK hope to repair the damage caused by this horrendous foreign policy misstep.
The National Jewish Assembly (NJA) stands resolutely with Israel during this critical time. We recognise the importance of providing full support to Israel’s efforts to defend itself against escalating threats. Labour’s stance not only endangers Israeli lives but also sends a perilous message to our adversaries that the UK is retreating from its commitments to its allies.
In the final analysis, Labour’s actions are a perilous flirtation with moral equivalency and appeasement. This is a time for Britain to demonstrate unambiguous support for Israel and to confront Iranian aggression with the resolve it demands. The stakes are high, and history will not look kindly on those who choose the path of least resistance in the face of tyranny.
Steve Winston is the Managing Director of the National Jewish Assembly
