"My first real experience of Israel came when I was 18, and
spent several weeks working in the kitchens at kibbutz Kfar
HaNassi. My fellow kibbutzniks managed to survive my
contribution to their diet. I took away a profound
attachment to the state of Israel.
My many visits in recent years have left a deep impression
– whether the solemnity and dignity of Yad Vashem, memorial
to a unique crime in world history; the extraordinary
gathering of world leaders for the funeral of an old
friend, Shimon Peres; or cycling down Rothschild Boulevard
with the Mayor of Tel Aviv, marvelling at the vibrancy of
the White City.
I am a passionate defender of Israel. Few causes are closer
to my heart than ensuring its people are protected from the
menace of terrorism and anti-Semitic incitement. The UK has
always stood by Israel and its right to live as any nation
should be able to, in peace and security. Our commitment to
Israel’s security will be unshakeable while I am Prime
Minister of the United Kingdom.
So it is with sadness that I have followed the proposals to
annex Palestinian territory. As a life-long friend, admirer
and supporter of Israel, I am fearful that these proposals
will fail in their objective of securing Israel’s borders
and will be contrary to Israel’s own long-term interests.
Annexation would put in jeopardy the progress that Israel
has made in improving relationships with the Arab and
Muslim world. I have never been more convinced that
Israel’s interests overlap with those of our closest
partners in the Arab world, including potential security
cooperation against shared threats.
But however strong their interest in a different kind of
relationship with Israel, annexation would inevitably set
back these opportunities and constrain potential Arab
partners. Israel’s enemies would seize upon it, and use it
against those in the Middle East who want to see progress.
I want to see an outcome that delivers justice for both
Israelis and Palestinians. The UK has often stood in a
small minority at the UN in defending Israel against
unwarranted and wholly disproportionate criticism.
Annexation would represent a violation of international
law. It would also be a gift to those who want to
perpetuate the old stories about Israel.
I profoundly hope that annexation does not go ahead. If it
does, the UK will not recognise any changes to the 1967
lines, except those agreed between both parties.
There is another way. Like many Israelis, I am frustrated
that peace talks have ended in failure. While I understand
the frustration felt by both sides, we must now use the
energy of this moment to once more come back to the table
and strive to hammer out a solution. This will require
compromise on all sides.
I do not underestimate the challenges in achieving lasting
peace. So many efforts have been made. So many have paid
the ultimate price, including of course Yitzhak Rabin.
But I still believe the only way to achieve true, lasting
security for Israel, the homeland for the Jewish people, is
through a solution that allows justice and security for
both Israelis and Palestinians. I refuse to believe that
this is impossible.
I welcome the commitment that President Trump has made to
find a way forward. We will work tirelessly with the US -
and other partners in the Arab world and Europe - to try to
make peace a reality.
I am immensely proud of the UK’s contribution to the birth
of Israel with the 1917 Balfour Declaration. But it will
remain unfinished business until there is a solution which
provides justice and lasting peace for both Israelis and
Palestinians.
The only way it can be achieved is for both sides to return
to the negotiating table. That must be our goal. Annexation
would only take us further away from it."
