Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden has made several statements regarding the UK's stance on Israel amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza, marking six months since the 7 October attack. Dowden emphasized that Israel remains under an existential threat and acknowledged the nation's trauma. He criticized those holding Israel to 'incredibly high standards' and accused some of enjoying the criticism against Israel. Despite acknowledging Israel's 'big mistakes' in the conflict, Dowden insisted that the UK is holding Israel to a high standard, with no plans to change arms export rules to Israel. He also mentioned that the UK has had 'robust conversations' with Israel about improving their operations and recognized the 'terrible suffering' in Gaza. Dowden's comments, aired on Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233, and YouTube, come amid a reported cabinet split on Israel, with former Prime Minister David Cameron warning in the S Times that UK support for Israel is 'not unconditional,' contrasting Dowden's defense of Israel's actions as a 'legitimate campaign' and his remarks against an arms ban, highlighted on BBC/ Sky.
"I think that Israel is conducting a legitimate campaign" Deputy PM Oliver Dowden says the foreign secretary's advice on the UK's arms supply to Israel "has not changed" #BBCLauraK https://t.co/8HqbbyAbDX https://t.co/7lu90eZ7T0
Striking difference of stance at top of government as David Cameron warns that UK’s support for Israel is “not unconditional” (S Times) Yet Oliver Dowden suggests Israel being held to “incredibly high standards” and that some are pushing case against it with “relish” (BBC/ Sky)
Cabinet split on Israel — as reported by @BloombergUK last week — on show today David Cameron warns Israel UK’s support is “not unconditional” But Oliver Dowden says Israel is being held to “incredibly high standards” and that some “relish” the chance to argue for an arms ban https://t.co/5xTqfK89Cr
"It's right we raise concerns... and Israel has engaged with these issues" Deputy PM Oliver Dowden says it's “too easy” for the world to "forget the horrors Israel faced" and hold it to standards "we wouldn't remotely hold other countries to" #BBCLauraK https://t.co/8HqbbyAbDX https://t.co/XNpv6jOjq5
BREAKING: Oliver Dowden has accused Israel of making "big mistakes" during the conflict in Gaza and insisted the UK government is "holding them to a very high standard" Read more 🔗 https://t.co/ryfuIe90LA
Oliver Dowden says that critics of Israel are holding them to "extraordinarily high standards" https://t.co/QDqQzOLa2P
Deputy Prime Minister @OliverDowden accuses some people of taking "a bit of relish" from holding Israel to "incredibly high standards". He accepts Israel has made big mistakes and we should hold them to account for that. #TrevorPhillips https://t.co/fhIHlpTGAF 📺 Sky 501 https://t.co/i6T0asOM2G
'We're not giving carte blanche to Israel.' Deputy PM @OliverDowden says the UK has had "robust conversations" with Israel about 'improving the way they conduct their operation', but recognises the "terrible suffering" in Gaza #TrevorPhillips https://t.co/fhIHlpTGAF 📺Sky 501 https://t.co/mGjCMZlt9i
Deputy Prime Minister @OliverDowden says the Foreign Secretary receives "ongoing" legal action "periodically", adding there's currently no plan to change arms export rules to Israel. #TrevorPhillips https://t.co/fhIHlpTGAF 📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube https://t.co/TBaHieF0x2
‘Israel remains right now a nation in a state of existential threat, in a state of trauma’ Deputy Prime Minister @OliverDowden reacts as the world marks six months since the 7 October attack. #TrevorPhillips https://t.co/fhIHlpTGAF 📺 Sky 501 https://t.co/MrYuTbm0Gp