The British stance on Israel is a significant indicator
For the first time since 1917, Britain has broken with the political traditions underpinning its relations with Israel, adopting a stance that diverges from its practice over decades. Therefore, recent developments must be examined and built upon, particularly following the closure of the British consulate in Jerusalem and Foreign Secretary David Miliband’s characterization of Israel’s practices and government policies in the Palestinian territories as amounting to ethnic cleansing.
This position did not emerge in a vacuum; rather, it is an inevitable consequence of shifting British public opinion following the massacres carried out by Israel in the occupied Palestinian territories and its continuous violations of international law against innocent civilians, who are the rightful inhabitants of the land. Here, I will not reiterate the established history of Israel’s genocidal approach since 1948 to the present day. Instead, I seek to highlight the shift in Britain’s stance, which carries significant importance not only for the Palestinian cause but for the Middle East as a whole.
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In Kuwait, we are well aware of the Balfour Declaration, having studied it extensively in schools. We also lived through the Arab-Israeli wars and contributed significantly to them, in terms of blood, money, and more. Thus, when we examine Britain’s stance toward this artificial entity, it underscores the growing isolation that Tel Aviv is experiencing globally. In the broader international political concept, and specifically within Europe, London’s position is considered a key to a major door in European-Israeli relations. The shift in this stance carries substantial weight.
It is true that the United States is today the architect of this entity, but Britain remains the compass. Coupled with the Spanish position and that of some European countries regarding Israel’s practices and the massacres committed by Tel Aviv, this signals the beginning of a withdrawal, or more accurately, a "severing of the umbilical cord" politically, at least. Therefore, Britain’s current stance is akin to that of a courageous lion, although this does not imply that London will change its position toward Israel and continue providing it with support.
Thus, when London declares that Israel must stop encroaching on Palestinian lands and rights, halt land confiscation in the West Bank, and prevent its transformation into a forest of settlements, this is not an ordinary position. We have known for decades that the two greatest global pillars supporting Israel as a state are the United States and Britain.
However, the shift in Britain’s current stance reflects a degree of realism that we have long advocated for in dealing with Arab issues, most importantly the Palestinian cause. In recent years, Israel has opened approximately four fronts, which remain active: Gaza, the West Bank, Syria, and Lebanon. Until recently, these were supported by London, Washington, and several European capitals. But this is now beginning to change. This means that Arab states must capitalize on these developments and push harder for the "two-state solution," which has been endorsed by numerous UN resolutions, all of which Israel has disregarded.
Britain’s stance is an important indicator. If it is coupled with a unified Arab position during the UN General Assembly session scheduled for this month, and if the matter reaches the point of imposing a resolution under Chapter VII of the UN Security Council, it could lead to the establishment of the long-awaited Palestinian state, since Resolution 181 in 1947, which remains merely ink on paper.
