British Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch sparked backlash from opposition figures and rights groups after describing Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza as a “proxy war on behalf of the UK,” Middle East Eye reported on May 25th.
Speaking on Sky News with Trevor Phillips on May 25th, Badenoch aligned Britain’s national interest with Israel’s military campaign, saying it was comparable to “Ukraine [fighting] on behalf of Western Europe against Russia.”
She dismissed international concerns over civilian casualties and declined to criticise Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s language, stating, “I’m not here to police the language of the prime minister of Israel.” Her comments come amid mounting international pressure on Israel.
Previously, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and French President Emmanuel Macron issued a joint statement urging Israel to ease the humanitarian crisis or face “further concrete actions.” The UK government subsequently suspended trade talks with Israel on May 20th.
Badenoch rejected accusations that she was equating the bombardment of Gaza with Ukraine’s defense against Russian invasion, but maintained that “Israel is fighting a war” and added: “It is not a genocide, as people are saying.”
Phillips challenged Badenoch repeatedly during the interview over her lack of criticism of Israel’s conduct. “This morning it doesn’t sound like you’re criticising anything that the Israelis do,” he said. Badenoch rejected that characterisation but did not specify where she disagrees with Israel’s approach.
Her remarks come as international legal bodies continue to investigate Israel’s conduct in Gaza. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Critics of Badenoch’s position argue that her comments undermine diplomatic efforts and reflect a growing disconnect between Conservative leadership and international consensus.
Labour MP Ayoub Khan called Badenoch’s remarks “morally bankrupt” for “parroting the rhetoric of Israel’s far-right government.”
Khan pointed to ongoing humanitarian concerns in Gaza, where Israeli forces have blocked food, fuel, and medicine from entering since March. International observers warn of widespread starvation and the collapse of the health system.
Furthermore, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) declared that Gaza is currently facing a critical famine risk, with 22% of the population approaching a humanitarian catastrophe, as reported by Al-Monitor via AFP on May 12th.
Badenoch’s office has not issued further comment following the interview.
Middle East Eye, Al-Monitor via AFP
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