Benjamin Netanyahu accused the UK under Andy Burnham of acting like a “rogue state” after London imposed sanctions over Israeli settlement activity. Netanyahu said the sanctions followed Israeli intelligence that allegedly helped prevent a plot targeting RAF Fairford and called the move “mind-blowing hypocrisy.” The dispute, which includes accusations from a senior Israeli official and a strong rebuke from Ed Miliband over the E1 settlement, has strained what both sides say remains an important but troubled relationship.
Netanyahu Labels Andy Burnham’s Britain a “Rogue State” After Sanctions and Intelligence Row
Benjamin Netanyahu said relations between Israel and Britain had deteriorated - AP/Julia Nikhinson
Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has sharply criticised the United Kingdom under Prime Minister Andy Burnham, saying the bilateral relationship is deteriorating and accusing the UK government of acting like a “rogue state.” The comments follow a dispute over UK sanctions related to Israeli settlement plans and an intelligence tip-off Israel says helped avert an alleged attack on RAF Fairford.
Sanctions, Intelligence And Escalating Tensions
Netanyahu described the sanctions imposed by the UK as “mind-blowing hypocrisy,” saying they were announced almost immediately after Israel provided information about a suspected plot. “It was stopped. It was prevented,” he told the Daily Mail, adding that without the intelligence the attack "would probably have gone through" and that British lives could have been lost.
Mr Netanyahu said Britain had sanctioned Israel 'pretty much the next day' after it shared intelligence about a potential attack at RAF Fairford - Toby Shepheard/Reuters
“In order to ingratiate itself with its political base, [the government] has gone rogue. Like a rogue state,” Netanyahu said.
A senior Israeli official told The Telegraph the warning related to an attempted attack on RAF Fairford. Israeli sources have criticised the UK Labour government for proceeding with sanctions despite the alleged tip-off.
What Triggered the UK Measures?
The UK announced trade restrictions on some Israeli companies after Israel moved forward with tenders related to the proposed E1 settlement, a plan critics say would sever East Jerusalem from parts of the West Bank and threaten the viability of a future Palestinian state. Labour MP Ed Miliband described the E1 plans as tantamount to “ethnic cleansing,” deepening the diplomatic rift.
Diplomatic Fallout and Domestic Politics
Netanyahu said he had not yet spoken directly with Burnham but insisted he still regards Britain as an ally despite relations being "not very good." He accused the government of appeasing an “Islamist-Leftist alliance” at the expense of Israel, arguing that such a posture serves neither Britain nor global stability.
The prime minister, engaged in a tight re-election contest, has a narrow lead in some polls with under a month to go before voting day. Israeli domestic politics and the wider regional conflict are shaping his tone toward international partners.
Mr Netanyahu has a narrow lead in the polls less than a month before a tough election - Amir Cohen/Reuters
Wider Implications
Netanyahu also criticised Burnham on domestic UK issues, warning that failure to control the migration “small boats” route could cost electoral support at home. He expressed regret that a long-standing special relationship between the two countries appears strained and called for a recovery of mutual trust.
Context: The story highlights competing priorities — national security cooperation, human rights and settlement policy — and how these can collide in diplomatic relations between allies.
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