Relations between the United Kingdom and Israel have deteriorated to their worst level in decades after British Foreign Secretary David Lammy suspended negotiations on a new free trade agreement, condemning Israeli ministers' calls to "purify Gaza" by expelling Palestinians as "repellent, monstrous, and extremist."
Lammy also announced a review of broader bilateral strategic talks with Israel, citing its refusal to allow sufficient humanitarian aid into Gaza and its treatment of Palestinians as "an affront to the values of the British people" and "incompatible with the principles underpinning the UK-Israeli relationship."
The decision came as EU foreign ministers, meeting in Brussels, agreed to review the bloc’s trade agreement with Israel following a request from the Dutch foreign minister. Seventeen of the EU’s 27 member states supported the move. The EU is Israel’s largest trading partner, accounting for 32% of its total goods trade in 2024.
In some of his strongest language since the Gaza conflict began, Lammy denounced Israel’s planned military offensive as "morally unjustifiable, wholly disproportionate, and utterly counterproductive." As he addressed Parliament, backbenchers shouted accusations of "genocide."
Lammy expressed outrage at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, warning of a "dark new phase" in the conflict. "Netanyahu’s government is planning to drive Gazans from their homes into a corner of the strip, permitting only a fraction of the aid they need," he said.
Israel’s foreign ministry accused the UK of an "anti-Israel obsession." Spokesperson Oren Marmorstein dismissed the suspension of trade talks, saying, "If the British government is willing to harm its own economy due to domestic political considerations, that is its prerogative." He defended Israel’s actions as necessary for its "existence and security."
Lammy singled out Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich for advocating the "cleansing" of Gaza and the forced relocation of Palestinians, calling such rhetoric "extremism" and "dangerous." He summoned Israel’s ambassador to the UK to demand an immediate halt to the assault on Gaza.
While acknowledging Israel’s right to defend itself after the October 7, 2023 attacks, Lammy insisted that the current military campaign was worsening the humanitarian crisis and endangering hostages. "Civilians in Gaza face starvation, homelessness, and trauma," he said. "Fewer than 10 aid trucks entered Gaza yesterday—this is abominable."
The UK imposed sanctions on three Israeli settlers and four West Bank entities, including Daniella Weiss, a prominent settler leader. Weiss dismissed the measures as "childish," claiming they would not deter the settler movement.
However, Lammy stopped short of sanctioning Smotrich or Itamar Ben-Gvir, despite their inflammatory statements.
Many MPs, including Conservatives, demanded stricter arms export controls, recognition of Palestine, and a full trade ban with Israel. Lammy said further measures would be coordinated with allies.
Former Conservative minister Kit Malthouse criticized the government’s response as insufficient, asking whether "begging for the lives of Palestinian children" was needed before concrete action.
The EU is reconsidering its long-standing association agreement with Israel, with Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas citing broad support for a review. The UK, France, and Canada issued a joint statement warning of "further concrete actions" if Gaza’s humanitarian crisis persists.
Criticism has also mounted against Israel’s proposed aid delivery model, which seeks to replace UN agencies with military-backed contractors. Aid groups and Western diplomats have dismissed the plan as "crazy" and politically motivated.
As pressure builds, some MPs urge the UK to recognize Palestinian statehood, particularly if France does so at an upcoming conference. While the government remains cautious, Israel’s isolation appears to be deepening—with even U.S. President Donald Trump expressing concern over Gaza’s starvation crisis during his recent Middle East tour.
With Netanyahu’s government facing unprecedented international backlash, the war’s next phase risks further humanitarian catastrophe—and further erosion of Israel’s global standing.