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Lebanon: Israel Defence Forces Operations
03 June 2026
Lead MP
Monica Harding
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
UkraineForeign Affairs
Other Contributors: 74
At a Glance
Monica Harding raised concerns about lebanon: israel defence forces operations in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs to make a statement on the Israel Defence Forces’ operations in Lebanon. Emphasised that the IDF is expanding its illegal military operations in southern Lebanon.
Condemned Iran’s strike on Kuwait International airport and expressed concern over Israeli military action in Lebanon, which resulted in civilian casualties. Called for a ceasefire and condemned Hezbollah's attacks against Israel. Announced £20 million humanitarian support for those affected by the conflict.
Judith Cummins
Lab
Bradford South
Called out the Minister for overrunning his time limit in answering an urgent question.
Critiqued the Israeli Security Cabinet's expansion of illegal military operations and called for international action to bring the cycle of violence to an end, including stopping all arms sales to Israel.
Emily Thornberry
Lab
Islington South and Finsbury
Expressed concern over Hezbollah's actions and requested details on UK support for the Lebanese army in disarming Hezbollah.
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
Condemned Hezbollah as a terrorist organisation that undermines peace efforts, called for discussions with Israel, Lebanon, and the US to secure a lasting ceasefire, and emphasised the need for disarming Hezbollah.
Abtisam Mohamed
Lab
Dartford
Critiques the ineffective ceasefire agreement and condemns the targeting of health workers and journalists in Lebanon. Calls for sanctions against Israel to hold it accountable.
Simon Hoare
Con
North Dorset
Describes the negative consequences of Hezbollah and Hamas's actions on Israeli security, suggesting expansion and deepening of sanctions as a potential solution.
Hayes and Harlington
Associates with Speaker’s remarks about Sir Alan Haselhurst. Highlights the targeting and murder of journalists in Lebanon and urges the Government to collect evidence for action against Israeli Ministers who have committed war crimes.
Calls on the Government to reaffirm its commitment to returning aid spending to 0.7% of GNI and not cutting it below 0.3% of GNI, despite previous decisions made by the Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister.
Praises the Minister's efforts but expresses concern over the lack of action taken to stand up for international law and human rights in Lebanon, Gaza, and the West Bank.
Mark Pritchard
Con
The Wrekin
Supports capacity building in the Lebanese army and condemns Hezbollah and Iran. Questions the intentions of the Israeli Government regarding their actions in Lebanon.
Raises concerns about Israel's use of white phosphorus munitions against civilian targets, questioning whether the UK’s joint agreement on military co-operation with Israel is still in place.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Argues that strengthening the Lebanese army and supporting UNIFIL are viable ways to mitigate actions of Hezbollah, an Iranian terrorist proxy aiming for the destruction of Israel.
Hamish Falconer
UK Government Minister
Strongly supports the Lebanese armed forces in disarming Hezbollah. UNIFIL’s role will be discussed at the Security Council. The British Government emphasises that the Lebanese Government and President must control the use of force in Lebanon. Condemns Iran's detention of British nationals as unjustified and erosive of trust, condemns Iranian influence in Lebanon as malign and harmful to sovereignty.
Concerned about arbitrary detention and hostage taking by Iran against British citizens like the Foreman brothers. Urges the Government to condemn these actions more forcefully and use international levers to secure consular access for detainees.
John Hayes
Con
South Holland and The Deepings
Encourages further steps to communicate support to the Lebanese people, addressing the false narrative that Hezbollah is protecting Lebanon. Believes Hezbollah endangers rather than protects the Lebanese people and seeks reassurance from the Minister about this.
Imran Hussain
Lab
Bradford East
Critiques Israel's actions as violating international law, resulting in significant civilian casualties. Calls for concrete action beyond condemnations to address these violations, emphasising the need for a sustainable ceasefire.
Condemns Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir’s rhetoric and calls for a full ban on all arms sales to Israel due to such aggressive statements and actions towards Lebanon.
Andy McDonald
Lab
Middlesbrough
Urges the Government to use available tools like sanctions, anti-money laundering measures, and arms embargo to pressure Israel into stopping military action and war crimes in Gaza and Lebanon. Cites specific instances of displacement and destruction as examples of Israeli violations.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Supports the view that any government has the right to defend its citizens by eliminating threats like Hezbollah, which stores weapons in Lebanon. Argues Israel’s actions are not about occupation but defence and disarmament of Hezbollah.
Emphasised the need for a sustainable ceasefire and Lebanese Government's responsibility to disarm Hezbollah, criticised Israeli actions but supported US efforts towards peace. He also clarified UK sanctions on Israel in relation to Gaza and Lebanon.
Richard Burgon
Lab
Leeds East
Critiqued the UK government for not imposing widespread sanctions against Israel after its bombing of Lebanon, which he argued is a threat to peace processes between US and Iran and impacts cost of living in the UK.
Jeremy Corbyn
Lab
Islington North
Asked about the British Government’s military relationship with Israel, including weapons supply and intelligence sharing, highlighting Israeli actions as genocide and demanding clarity on such relations.
Called for UK sanctions against illegal Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories following reports of President Trump's criticism of Netanyahu over attacks in Lebanon and Gaza.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Supported IDF actions as a necessary response to Hezbollah’s threats, emphasising the duty of any Government to protect their people from terrorist threats.
Questioned if UK was considering further sanctions or trade embargoes against Israel for disproportionate attacks in Lebanon despite ongoing instability in the Middle East.
Argued that words and actions from Government officials, including the Prime Minister's comments, could embolden Netanyahu; called for a change in language regarding war crimes.
Asked about measures UK Ministers can take to ensure humanitarian support reaches those affected by Israeli military actions in Lebanon and addressed concerns over human rights violations.
Condemned both Hezbollah's and Israel's illegal actions, highlighted the extent of civilian casualties caused by Israeli attacks, and questioned UK support for Netanyahu’s plans for Greater Israel.
Minister emphasised the need for careful language when discussing the Government of Israel, stating that it is important to avoid antisemitic tropes. He also mentioned steps taken in relation to Lebanon and Palestine, but declined to provide further comments on sanctions from the Dispatch Box.
Asked about the tactics used by IDF which mirror those used in Gaza and the West Bank, including forced displacement and targeting of hospitals. He questioned whether there was a need for further sanctions against individuals and organisations responsible in the Israeli Government.
Acknowledged the Minister's leadership on these issues and expressed concern about Iran’s industrialisation of the death penalty, particularly since the protests in January. Asked whether more could be done to address this issue.
Condemned the Iranian attack on Kuwait airport and Hezbollah's attacks on Israeli civilians. Criticised IDF for hoisting the Israeli flag over Beaufort Castle, describing it as a symbol of conquest and an act that violates international law.
Torfaen
The Government have acted on the House's request for transparency by publishing material in scope of the motion, excluding that prejudicial to national security and international relations. The formal decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as ambassador was conveyed by a letter from the Prime Minister’s principal private secretary to the Foreign Office with no redactions because there was nothing to redact.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Asks if boxes in documents are blank due to the Prime Minister making no notes or due to redaction. Criticises lack of transparency regarding decisions made by the Prime Minister during the appointment process.
Mark Pritchard
Con
The Wrekin
Proposes pre-appointment scrutiny for senior posts, both ambassadorial appointments and permanent secretaries. Suggests that relevant Select Committees should carry out pre-scrutiny for senior appointments to ensure transparency.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
Questions the disappearance of WhatsApp messages from the Prime Minister after the general election and suggests it is contrary to transparency. Criticises any hint of a cover-up as making scandals worse, urging for full disclosure.
John Hayes
Con
South Holland and The Deepings
John Hayes questioned the decision not to make UK Security Vetting files available to the ISC, arguing that it was contrary to the spirit of the Humble Address. He asked who made this executive decision and when.
Tim Roca asked for clarification on the independent King’s Counsel's assurances regarding the Government's compliance with the Humble Address.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Julian Lewis challenged the precedent set by previous Humble Addresses and argued that there was no comparison between making classified material available to the ISC versus other bodies, as the ISC has a record of never leaking such information.
Imran Hussain
Lab
Bradford East
Imran Hussain inquired about whether Lord Mandelson had discussions with Ministers or officials regarding Palantir and requested further documentation on this matter to be released.
Emily Thornberry
Lab
Islington South and Finsbury
Emily Thornberry raised concerns over the lack of documents detailing mitigations related to Peter Mandelson's appointment, suggesting that an aide-mémoire made by Ian Collard should be released. She also questioned why documents about security vetting would not be available until after a police investigation concludes.
Martin Wrigley asked whether Peter Mandelson was intervening in Palantir business with the Government, despite assurances to the contrary from Louis Mosley.
Kirsty Blackman
SNP
Aberdeen North
Kirsty Blackman requested assurance that if new correspondence fitting the Humble Address terms is found during ongoing investigations, it would be published.
Jeremy Corbyn
Lab
Islington North
Jeremy Corbyn asked whether Peter Mandelson had divested himself of all financial interests in companies related to Palantir while serving as ambassador in Washington.
Alex Burghart
Con
Brentwood and Ongar
The MP emphasised the importance of Parliamentary authority over government actions, criticising the Government for disregarding precedents in handling sensitive documents related to Peter Mandelson's appointment. He questioned the security vetting process and highlighted discrepancies between public statements and disclosed information regarding the due diligence document concerning Mandelson’s relationships with individuals connected to Epstein, China, and Russia. He raised concerns about missing or retained messages from key figures like Morgan McSweeney and Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Additionally, he called for transparency on how many documents are held by the police and which categories of information might interfere with investigations.
Nusrat Ghani
Con
Wealden
Announced the result of today’s deferred division on the draft Agriculture (Delinked Payments) (Reductions) (England) Regulations 2026. The Ayes were 302 and the Noes were 153, so the Ayes have it.
Emily Thornberry
Lab
Islington South and Finsbury
Ms. Thornberry criticised the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States, arguing that despite his high-risk classification and connections with controversial figures such as Jeffrey Epstein, the Prime Minister delegated decision-making authority to others who pushed for Mandelson's appointment. She emphasised the lack of robust risk management measures and questioned how someone flagged as a security concern could be appointed without proper mitigations.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Mr. Lewis disagreed with Ms. Thornberry, asserting that the Prime Minister was aware of Mandelson's unsuitability based on his stance on Hong Kong and Ukraine and yet proceeded with the appointment despite these political grounds.
Jeremy Wright
Con
Kenilworth and Southam
Mr. Wright proposed an alternative hypothesis that the Prime Minister was convinced early on about Mandelson's suitability, and the system upheld this judgment without sufficient challenges.
Alex Burghart
Con
Brentwood and Ongar
Mr. Burghart questioned whether the absence of proper vetting before Mandelson took office in Washington meant that he was accessing highly classified information unauthorisedly, highlighting a significant breach of security protocols.
Calls for detailed scrutiny into the Prime Minister’s decision to appoint Peter Mandelson despite known risks. Emphasises that Parliament has not received an explanation from the Prime Minister on why he proceeded with the appointment, despite extensive documentation provided by the government.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Interjects to suggest that sensitive information should be entrusted to the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC).
Cardiff North
Ms Davies-Jones expressed concern over the lack of attention given to victims of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse amidst discussions about political figures and powerful networks. She criticised the Government for prioritising relationships with influential tech figures rather than addressing issues like online harm and violence against women and girls. She called for a full public inquiry into Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell and those who enabled their crimes. She also emphasised the need for genuine transparency and accountability in government actions.
Jeremy Wright
Con
Kenilworth and Southam
Discussed the thorough work done by the Cabinet Office and Intelligence and Security Committee in reviewing documents; emphasised that redactions were made only when there was real prejudice to national security or international relations, not just potential embarrassment for the Government. Highlighted concerns over process issues such as who checks proposed redactions beyond these grounds and suggested establishing standard rules for future similar situations.
Ian Byrne
Lab
Liverpool West Derby
Critiques the rehabilitation of Peter Mandelson by senior figures in his party despite his controversial past. Expresses concern over Mandelson's influence on government decisions, particularly through meetings with the Chancellor and former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney. Calls for a full, transparent and independent inquiry into Labour Together. Highlights the lack of accountability and transparency regarding Mandelson’s influence, advocating for a duty of candour similar to the Hillsborough law. Raises concerns about Palantir's growing role within the NHS, arguing that public trust must be prioritised over corporate influence.
Nusrat Ghani
Con
Wealden
Ghani intervenes to express concern about the lack of mitigations and time available between UK Security Vetting recommendations and the Foreign Office's decision on vetting, based on Collard's written evidence which indicates a short timeframe for action.
Jeremy Wright
Con
Kenilworth and Southam
Wright suggested that the Government should have pushed back against an excessively broad Humble Address when it was being decided upon.
John Hayes
Con
South Holland and The Deepings
Hayes agreed with Wright, noting that the Government could have amended the Humble Address later on as well.
Vince emphasised the importance of guardrails to protect minor officials from undue scrutiny during the Humble Address process.
Emily Thornberry
Lab
Islington South and Finsbury
Thornberry highlighted the opportunity costs involved in the time spent by civil servants on this issue rather than on other pressing matters such as Iran.
Davies-Jones suggested that an inquiry might have been more appropriate for the victims and survivors of abuse, providing a broader scope of information relevant to their needs.
Martin argued that any disclosure beyond the vetting officer could compromise the entire vetting system and discourage individuals from applying for sensitive positions.
Kirsty Blackman
SNP
Aberdeen North
Critiques the Prime Minister's decision to appoint Peter Mandelson, emphasising that it was a political appointment made despite warnings. Highlights issues with transparency and consistency in released documents, stressing the need for full information and explanations from the Cabinet Office regarding FOI requests. Concludes by questioning the Prime Minister's judgment and commitment to victims' rights.
Jeremy Corbyn
Lab
Islington North
Corbyn discussed the corruption caused by unaccountable power, wealth, and the influence of big business in politics. He mentioned Tony Benn's warning about Peter Mandelson when he first joined Labour Party leadership. Corbyn also highlighted how Mandelson's actions as ambassador to Washington were problematic due to his connections with private companies like Palantir.
Jerome Mayhew
Con
Tiverton and Honiton
Mr Mayhew expressed gratitude for the knowledge-filled debate, noting that Peter Mandelson's unfitness for public office was widely known. He criticised the Prime Minister for appointing Mandelson despite knowing his past issues with honesty and friendship with Epstein. Mr Mayhew highlighted the Government's attempt to cover up the scandal through obfuscation, including withholding documents and using disappearing messages, which he argued were not in line with Cabinet Office guidance. He emphasised that officials must comply with Parliament’s direction for disclosure and criticised the current situation where the Government appears to be still withholding information despite legal requirements.
Richard Foord
Con
Mid Bedfordshire
Mr Foord intervened to clarify that the Conservative Humble Address motion required sharing of all communications between ministers and Lord Mandelson for six months prior to his appointment, as well as during his time as Ambassador. He asked if Mr Mayhew believed the Government was serious about excluding information prejudicial to national security or international relations when they proposed amendments.
Alex Burghart
Con
Brentwood and Ongar
Burghart emphasised the need for more detailed information from the Government about messages withheld, Morgan McSweeney's messages, other forms of electronic communication not included in Humble Address returns, and mitigations retained by the police. He urged the Chief Secretary to demonstrate transparency and co-operation.
Darren Jones
Lab
Bristol North West
The hon. Member for Bristol North West (Darren Jones) apologised for any subconscious treatment of Peter Mandelson due to his influence and power within the Labour party, acknowledged his colleague's work as a victim advocate, offered to meet with victims of Jeffrey Epstein, and committed to continuing work on issues related to violence against women and girls.
Pontypridd
My hon. Friend shared harrowing accounts from victims such as Lisa, reminding us of the ongoing anger and suffering they feel each time we have debates on this matter.
Caroline Nokes
Con
Romsey and Southampton North
Called for order, asking Mr Burghart to observe the courtesies of the House and continue the debate in an orderly fashion.
Emily Thornberry
Lab
Islington South and Finsbury
Questioned whether there was a difference between conflict of interest information and national security mitigations, suggesting that some information could be disclosed while other parts might remain undisclosed for national security reasons.
John Hayes
Con
South Holland and The Deepings
Noted that once the Metropolitan police investigation is complete, materials will return to the ISC, and the Government intends to publish this information in an appropriate and redacted form.
Kirsty Blackman
SNP
Aberdeen North
Asked if Morgan McSweeney’s messages were under investigation by the Metropolitan police and sought a commitment from the Minister to inquire with the police regarding the existence of these messages.
Government Response
Called for an immediate and meaningful ceasefire. Emphasised the importance of disarmament of Hezbollah. Discussed support provided to the Lebanese armed forces since 2009. Details the UK's humanitarian assistance to Lebanon, condemns attacks on health workers, announces sanctions against Israeli Ministers, and expresses commitment to pressing issues in the Middle East. Also discusses steps taken regarding arms exports. Supports Lebanese armed forces against Hezbollah. Acknowledges discussions at the Security Council on UNIFIL's role. Emphasises need for Lebanese control over use of force. Condemns Iran’s detention of British nationals and its malign influence in Lebanon. Emphasised the need for a sustainable ceasefire, criticised Israeli actions as disproportionate but supported US efforts towards peace. Clarified UK sanctions on Israel in relation to Gaza and Lebanon. Minister responded to each question with concern about civilian casualties and condemnations of attacks by both Hezbollah and the IDF. He emphasised the Government's opposition to the death penalty in Iran and criticised the hoisting of Israeli flags over historic sites in Lebanon. The Minister responded to questions about the vetting process for Peter Mandelson, emphasising that detailed information must not be disclosed due to national security concerns. He cited advice from Lord Beamish, Lord Sedwill, and Baroness Manningham-Buller regarding the potential impact on future UK Security Vetting investigations if such documents were made public.
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