Last Updated on 05/09/2024 by Arun jain
LONDON – Israel’s former prime minister believes Britain’s suspension of some of its arms exports is a “mistake” that will not affect the country’s military campaign in Gaza and could prove a wasted opportunity for Keir Starmer in his ability to influence events. Middle East.
Ehud Olmert told POLITICO’s Power Play podcast that Britain and Israel’s other allies should instead “focus on the complete absence of any political horizon or the end-game strategy that is being proposed by the Israeli government.”
Earlier this week, the United Kingdom government suspended 30 of 350 weapons and replacement parts licenses, including parts for fighter planes, helicopters and drones, because they could be used in violation of international humanitarian law.
Olmert does not expect the US to It will sue for a freeze on its weapons, which are the bulk of Israel’s imports, but suggested Washington may have given its tacit consent. No.10 Downing Street confirmed this week that it had informed the US of the move in advance and had spoken to allies on the issue for “extensive engagement”.
Olmert said: “My assessment is that State Department officials or White House national security advisers would have said to the British ambassador in Washington, ‘Hey, we understand what you’ve done, you know, we’re sick and tired of this son. [a] Gun and it’s time we show him something. America will do nothing of the sort.’
Speaking to Power Play, Olmert, who ruled Israel from 2006 to 2009, said that while he did not view Starmer or his government as hostile, the decision “will not have any significant impact on the State of Israel and will therefore be lost.”
Netanyahu ‘arrogance’
Olmert is a staunch critic of current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who he believes miscalculated in waging an all-out war in Gaza to defeat Hamas.
He told Power Play host Ann McElvoy: “I would have appreciated a more concerted effort, together with the United States government and other friendly governments, on the State of Israel, which would have placed the BB. [Netanyahu] Where he is right in terms of his arrogance and the way he conducts himself towards Israel’s great friends.
Olmert’s tenure coincided with the final years of the last Labor government in the UK. They say Netanyahu’s government should be aware of the pressure public opinion is putting on friendly governments like Britain. “We hear all the voices coming from the streets of London and from other cities, from campuses, from universities across England and from the political base. [Labour] Party I know, I remember at the time I dealt with Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.
The former Israeli prime minister also insisted that the outcome of the US presidential election would make no difference to the conflict in Gaza. “The deal of the century that Donald Trump proposed in 2020 was based on a two-state solution … and if Trump sticks to his position, it will be all over for the Bibi because then he has to make some changes. Can’t rely on Democrats.”
You can listen to the episodeNo here.
Post Former Israeli PM says UK arms embargo will make no difference to war appeared first Politico.