Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Israel: UK Military Support

Monday 20 May 2024 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The UK and Israel have a long-standing defence relationship with a defence co-operation agreement signed in December 2020.
  • The UK supports Israel in defending against third country missile attacks, emphasizing the protection of civilian lives.
  • The UK government is not concerned about the ICC statement affecting its military relationship with Israel, asserting confidence in the legality of its actions.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Andrew Bridgen Con
Defence Foreign Affairs
Context

The question arises from the ongoing defence relationship between the UK and Israel, particularly concerning recent missile attacks on Israeli territory.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the adequacy of the UK's military support for Israel?

Answer from Leo Docherty

The UK and Israel have a long-standing defence relationship, as we have discussed already this morning. Israel is a partner in the region, and a UK-Israel defence co-operation agreement was signed in December 2020.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific recent assessment or evaluation of military support adequacy provided

How: Discussed Already This Morning

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Q2 Andrew Bridgen Con
Defence Community Security
Context

The question addresses the UK's support for Israel while highlighting concerns over military operations in Gaza, which is seen as a different issue from defending against missile attacks.

Question

While supporting Israel's defence against third country missile attacks, how will HM Government's policy address its intervention and aggression in Gaza?

Answer from Leo Docherty

Nothing is unconditional. The point I have made this morning is that we are supporting our ally overcome a devastating terrorist attack. We do that because it is the honourable thing to do. Simultaneously, we make the point to our ally that the protection of civilian lives must be at the top of the operational agenda. Furthermore, we use our military capability to ensure that humanitarian aid can flow into Gaza as quickly as possible.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific policy changes or commitments regarding intervention in Gaza were provided

How: Nothing Is Unconditional

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Q3 Mark Logan
Defence
Context

The question stems from a recent statement by the International Criminal Court that raises concerns about potential implications for the UK's military support for Israel.

Question

How concerned is the Minister about the impact of today's ICC statement on the UK's military relationship with Israel?

Answer from Leo Docherty

It has no bearing. We will make our judgments about the legality of our actions on our own terms, and we are confident in that legality.

Not addressed: No direct assessment or concern regarding impact was provided

How: It Has No Bearing

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