By: Mahmud ‘Abdo Salem.
(Exclusively for al-Zaytouna Centre).
A new academic paper published by Al-Zaytouna Centre for Studies and Consultations, entitled “British Foreign Policy Toward Israel since Operation al-Aqsa Flood 
” and authored by Mahmoud ‘Abdou Salem, examines the key determinants of British policy toward Israel and how Israel’s war on the Gaza Strip (GS), together with subsequent regional developments, has affected British-Israeli relations since 7 October 2023.
| Click here to download: >> Academic Paper: British Foreign Policy Toward Israel since Operation al-Aqsa Flood … Mahmud ‘Abdo Salem (23 pages, 1.9 MB) |
The paper traces the historical and strategic foundations of British-Israeli relations, from the Balfour Declaration of 1917 and the British Mandate in Palestine to the present day. It also examines the main factors shaping British policy toward Israel, particularly trade, security and military ties; the legislative independence gained following the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union (EU); the influence of US policies; and the positions of the main British political parties on the Palestine issue and Israel.
The second section examines how Operation al-Aqsa Flood and subsequent developments have shaped British policy toward Israel across three main areas: political support, military and security cooperation, and trade relations. It traces Britain’s response to the war on GS, from the Conservative government’s initial support for Israel to the Labour government’s subsequent positions, including support for ceasefire resolutions, the resumption of funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), sanctions against Israeli settlers, recognition of the State of Palestine, and the suspension of negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) with Israel.
The paper also examines military and security cooperation between the two sides, including arms exports and licenses, intelligence cooperation, the use of British military bases in Cyprus to support regional operations, and the role of British forces in intercepting Iranian attacks against Israel. Furthermore, it reviews bilateral trade and investment ties and considers how Britain’s announced restrictions on certain forms of trade and military cooperation have affected their broader economic relationship.
The paper explores British-US relations and the impact of tensions between London and Washington, particularly over the US-Israeli war on Iran, on the direction of British foreign policy. It further considers the potential implications of closer UK-EU ties for Britain’s position on the Palestine issue and Israel.
The paper concludes that Britain’s increasingly critical stance toward Israeli policies since Operation al-Aqsa Flood does not represent a strategic or fundamental shift in its policy toward Israel. Rather, it reflects a response to domestic and international pressure and an effort to balance its strategic, military and trade ties with Israel against human rights and humanitarian criticism of Israeli policies and calls for a two-state solution. This approach is likely to continue, although the degree of rapprochement or tension between the two sides may vary depending on the party in power in the UK and its political orientation.
| Click here to download: >> Academic Paper: British Foreign Policy Toward Israel since Operation al-Aqsa Flood … Mahmud ‘Abdo Salem (23 pages, 1.9 MB) |
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