UK trade envoy visits Israel despite government suspending trade talks, raising questions

The UK's trade envoy, Ian Austin, visited Israel's Haifa port on Monday, raising questions among journalists and observers about London's policy toward Israel amid its war on Gaza. 

The UK has criticised Israel's war on Gaza recently, but several analysts say the policy does not appear to indicate a broader shift in the UK and Israel's deep ties. 

"Last week the UK government suspended free trade negotiations with Israel in protest at the war in Gaza. This week the UK’s trade envoy is touring Israel. Slightly mixed messaging," Sky News Arabic journalist Alistair Bunkall said on X.