A senior Jewish peer in the House of Lords has come out in full support of Sir Keir Starmer’s recent partial suspension of arms deals with Israel, criticizing those who have condemned the decision.
Lord Carlile, a prominent supporter of Israel and former independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, spoke out against the likes of Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who have opposed the move.
He praised the Labour leader’s choice to halt 30 out of 350 arms export licenses to Israel, calling it a demonstration of “courage and conviction … however difficult it is.” His comments arrive amid escalating tensions, with recent reports confirming that Israeli airstrikes in central Syria have resulted in five deaths.
Lord Carlile was not shy in his criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of stifling peace efforts and exacerbating the ongoing conflict. His intervention underscores growing divisions within the UK’s political and religious landscape regarding support for Israel amid its contentious military actions.
As a member of the all-party committee on Israel, Lord Carlile voiced support for Sir Keir’s decision to act upon legal advice that previous UK governments allegedly ignored. The crossbench peer claimed that Lord Cameron, the former foreign secretary, had been aware of the same legal advice as David Lammy, the current foreign secretary, but failed to act.
He said, “The legal advice relied upon by Sir Keir Starmer and David Lammy has long been known to senior UK Ministers. Lord Cameron as foreign secretary is said by officials to have known about the advice since February.” Carlile emphasized that failing to act on such advice, especially in light of Israel’s ongoing actions, was indefensible.
His sharpest rebuke was reserved for Netanyahu and his Tory critics, whom he accused of making “wildly disproportionate” attacks on the Labour leader. “Sitting on clear legal advice for more than a very short time cannot be justified. Starmer has shown courage and conviction that the right thing must be done – however difficult it is,” he added.
Lord Carlile also expressed disappointment in Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis for his vocal opposition, describing the criticism as surprisingly misinformed.
“The critics have demonstrated astonishing ignorance of the position taken on the same Israel armaments issue by valued international allies,” he noted, before highlighting the actions of countries like Italy, Belgium, and Spain, all of which have taken similar steps to restrict military exports to Israel in recent years.
Netanyahu’s Role in Prolonging Conflict
Perhaps the most stinging remarks from Lord Carlile, however, were aimed at Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. As one of the UK’s most prominent Jewish figures, Carlile did not hold back in accusing Netanyahu of undermining international mediation efforts.
“Netanyahu and Hamas leaders alike have repeatedly undermined attempts at mediation determinedly and diligently pursued by Qatar, whose Emir and Prime Minister merit international praise.”
Lord Carlile
For Carlile, Netanyahu’s refusal to heed the advice of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) commanders, families of hostages, and senior international figures like U.S. President Joe Biden, marks him as a leader unfit for office.
“This issue has highlighted a broader problem for those of us in public life who do not respect Netanyahu. His stubborn resistance in recent months to sound advice … signifies a person no longer fit for high office.”
Lord Carlile
The peer’s intervention adds further weight to the growing debate surrounding the UK’s stance on arms exports to Israel and raises questions about the broader international response to the ongoing conflict in the region.
