What Would a ‘Brexit’ Mean for UK-Israel Relations?
Error: Contact form not found.
by Jonathan Fenton-Harvey

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, and British Prime Minister David Cameron. Photo: YouTube.
Britain’s upcoming referendum on its membership in the European Union is the center of tremendous speculation. Across Europe, the result will have great implications since Britain is the second largest economy in the bloc. Even for the rest of the world, it will be a pivotal moment.
Amidst all the people and groups taking positions on the issue, one particular voice stands out. A group called Regavim, a pro-israel NGO, supports leaving the EU — and believes this will also strengthen the relationship between Britain and Israel.
In their view, the European Union has taken many controversial actions towards the Israel/Palestine dispute, particularly in the West Bank. Labeling measures have been used on “settlement products,” to warn consumers and indicate their origins. The EU also funds groups that support Palestinian terror, makes one-sided statements only condemning Israel, and is generally seen as being ‘pro-Palestinian’ despite the Palestinians’ use of terrorism.
The Palestinian Authority also receives lavish funding from the EU, with much of it being misspent — or spent on terrorism. From 1994 to 2009, the figure totaled €4.26 billion, excluding donations from individual EU member states. Mahmoud Abbas himself admitted that PA funding has been spent on paying salaries to terrorists and their families.
The EU has also lavishly funded NGOs with a history of defaming Israel, vilifying Israeli troops, and attacking the actions of the state.
On the other hand, Britain has perhaps been the most pro-Israel state within the European Union in recent years. Prime Minister David Cameron has often delivered powerful words of praise towards Israel, and, by his actions, has shown himself a good friend of the Jewish state. Britain constantly supports Israel instead of the terrorists, and plays a constructive role in resolving the dispute.
Britain — separated from the EU — could use its strong global presence, and bountiful economy, to offer a stronger hand of support to Israel, and forge an even greater alliance with it. Some argue that if Britain stays in the Union, it would be able to change the course of the EU, and reform it. But, with limited power to veto certain rules, and having an increasingly smaller voice within the bloc, this is often an over-exaggerated claim.
So yes, a Brexit can lead the UK to reinforce its alliance with Israel, and forge a bright new future that is better for both Israel and the UK.
Iran Readies Harder Retaliation if Attacked as Diplomacy Faces Long Odds
Israel’s Netanyahu: Co-Pilot of Flydubai Plane Underwent Radical Islamist Indoctrination
British Council Staff Told Virgin Mary Wore Hijab in Anti-Islamophobia Training, Sparking Outrage
Israeli Tech Founder Banned From Hackathon Competition, Sponsors Withdraw Support
Jewish Leaders Rebuke Mamdani’s Antisemitism Strategy for New York City
Rabbi Consultant on ‘Nobody Wants This’ Criticizes Adam Brody for Accusing Israel of ‘Genocide’
Antisemitism Group Responds to Ms. Rachel Saying She Won’t Work With ‘Privileged’ People Silent About Gaza
Jewish Patients Are Hiding From Their Doctors
Israel Mourns on Monday, So Should We
The New York Times Unlearns Its Own History on Israel





Israeli Tech Founder Banned From Hackathon Competition, Sponsors Withdraw Support
British Council Staff Told Virgin Mary Wore Hijab in Anti-Islamophobia Training, Sparking Outrage
Israel’s Netanyahu: Co-Pilot of Flydubai Plane Underwent Radical Islamist Indoctrination
Iran Readies Harder Retaliation if Attacked as Diplomacy Faces Long Odds



