Ophir Falk, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s chief foreign policy adviser, condemned the UK pland to recognise Palestine as “moral bankruptcy” and urged Keir Starmer to “come to his senses.”
Falk argued that the British government’s decision could jeopardise ongoing efforts to secure the release of 48 hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza and contribute to rising antisemitism in the UK. “This sends Hamas the message that terrorism pays,” Falk told reporters. “Don’t forget October 7—and don’t reward it.”
Responding to Starmer’s planned announcement, Hamas issued a statement calling the announcement “one of the fruits” of the October 7 pogrom—during which 1,200 Israelis were killed and 251 taken hostage.
Under pressure from within his own Labour Party, Starmer announced in July that the UK would shift its position unless Israel agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza and committed to a peace process aimed at achieving a two-state solution. France and Canada announced similar positions last year.
Falk criticised these developments, stating that “while Hamas is, of course, 100% responsible for continuing the war, the policies of the UK, France, and Canada are encouraging them.”
He also referenced U.S. President Donald Trump, who has publicly disagreed with Starmer’s approach. “Consider aligning with President Trump, not President Macron,” Falk advised.
The UK’s recognition of Palestinian statehood would mark a major shift in British foreign policy. Previous British governments maintained that recognition should only come as part of a negotiated peace agreement.
According to a recent poll by JL Partners, nearly 90% of those surveyed do not support Starmer’s current policy on Palestinian statehood, highlighting a growing disconnect between public opinion and government action.
