Sir Keir Starmer has been warned by Israel’s ambassador to the UK, Tzipi Hotovely, that recognising a Palestinian state would be perceived as a “reward” for the Hamas-led 7 October attacks. In a column for The Telegraph, Ms Hotovely described such a move as “nothing less than a reward for terrorism”, citing atrocities including hostage-taking, murder, and rape. She also noted it would represent a “significant departure” from US foreign policy, potentially straining ties with the White House.
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The ambassador argued that recognition would send the wrong message to terrorist groups, suggesting that violence achieves political goals in the West. Her comments coincided with a statement from the Board of Deputies of British Jews, the UK’s largest Jewish community organisation, which described recognition as “gesture politics”. Its president, Phil Rosenberg, warned that Hamas would portray any such decision as a vindication of its actions and called instead for a negotiated settlement.
Despite growing pressure from within his party, Sir Keir has resisted calls for immediate recognition. Over 130 Labour MPs have signed a letter urging him to follow the example of French President Emmanuel Macron. The Labour-led Foreign Affairs Committee also recommended prompt recognition, calling it an “inalienable right”. Senior Labour figures such as Sadiq Khan and Anas Sarwar have echoed these demands, and the emergence of Jeremy Corbyn’s new party — which backs a free Palestine — adds further political pressure.
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However, the Prime Minister has maintained that recognition should be part of a broader peace process. He stated that formal recognition must follow a ceasefire and the safe return of Israeli hostages, forming part of a negotiated two-state solution. With US President Donald Trump visiting the UK this week, and a UK-US trade deal on the agenda, tensions over the issue are expected to feature prominently. Ms Hotovely concluded her statement by calling recent gestures towards recognition “grandstanding”, warning that a premature move would result in a “would-be failed state”.
