UK branch of Somaliland–Israel movement criticizes London’s policy
The UK branch of the Somaliland-Israel Friendship & Abrahamic Movement has criticized the British government’s policy toward Israel and called on its community not to vote for the party currently in power. This was stated in a group statement sent to the Jerusalem Post.
Representatives of the movement said that the British government’s policy toward Israel does not, in their view, reflect the will of the British people. The statement describes Israel and the United Kingdom as “inseparable brothers,” united, according to the document’s authors, by history, shared values, democracy, and a desire for peace and stability in the Middle East.
Call not to support the ruling party
The statement’s authors accused the current British government of abandoning these relations and pursuing what they described as an outdated policy of double standards. They expressed support for Israel and advised members of their community not to vote for the party in power. The document was signed by Ahmed Abdillahi Diriye.
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British restrictions and Israel’s response
The statement came amid tensions between the United Kingdom and Israel following new British measures concerning Israeli settlements in the West Bank. UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced a ban on imports of goods from settlements that London considers illegal, as well as sanctions against individuals and companies linked to settlement expansion.
Miliband stated his unwavering support for the State of Israel while reaffirming support for a Palestinian state. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham defended the decision in parliament.
In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced that Israel would close the British consulate in East Jerusalem and expel British representatives from the Civil-Military Coordination Center in Kiryat Gat. Other announced steps include ending British training of Palestinian Authority security forces in Ramallah and imposing an entry ban on 12 British elected representatives and other UK citizens.
