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Jewish groups push back against likely next UK PM Burnham over Israel comments
The Times of Israel • • world
Key Points:
- Britain’s Board of Deputies and Jewish Leadership Council expressed “significant concerns” over Andy Burnham’s comments urging the UK to pressure Israel on its treatment of Palestinians and to ban weapon sales used in Gaza and the West Bank.
- Burnham condemned the killing of innocent Palestinians and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling for increased pressure on the Israeli government, but stopped short of labeling Israel’s actions as genocide.
- The Jewish groups warned UK leaders to use careful rhetoric amid a surge in antisemitic incidents linked to the Israel-Gaza conflict, highlighting the rise of extremist hatred targeting Jews in Britain.
- The organizations referenced Burnham’s experience as Greater Manchester mayor during a deadly antisemitic attack and emphasized the need to address all drivers of antisemitism, including extremist ideologies.
- Burnham is expected to become the UK’s next prime minister and may face discussions with Jewish groups about his stance; his predecessor, Keir Starmer, has taken a tougher line on Israel, including sanctions and recognizing a State of Palestine.
