Netanyahu lashes out at UK prime minister for giving mixed signals on Israel support

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has criticised the government of new British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, accusing it of sending "mixed messages" regarding the United Kingdom's support for Israel. In an interview with the Daily Mail, Netanyahu condemned London's recent suspension of arms licences to Israel as "misguided".

"After the October 7 Hamas massacre," Netanyahu stated, "the previous British government was clear in its support. Unfortunately, the current government is sending mixed messages. They affirm Israel's right to defend itself but undermine our ability to exercise that right by reversing Britain's stance on the ICC prosecutor's baseless allegations against Israel and blocking weapons sales as we fight against the genocidal terrorist organisation responsible for the October 7 massacre."

Netanyahu further criticised the UK for suspending 30 arms licences to Israel shortly after Hamas executed six Israeli hostages, calling it a harmful message to Hamas. He emphasised that such "misguided decisions" will not deter Israel's resolve to defeat Hamas.

In response, a Foreign Office spokesperson stated: "We have been absolutely clear that Israel must adhere to international humanitarian law when taking military action to support its legitimate right to self-defence. The UK has raised concerns about these issues over many months, as have other allies. Unfortunately, these concerns have not been satisfactorily addressed."