Thank you for contacting me about Israel and the West Bank.
I appreciate your concerns about the situation in the region. That is why I firmly support the UK’s longstanding position on the Middle East Peace Process.
There should be a negotiated settlement leading to a safe and secure Israel living alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state, based on 1967 borders with agreed land swaps, Jerusalem as the shared capital of both states, and a fair and realistic settlement for refugees. The UK Government consistently calls for an immediate end to all actions that undermine the viability of the two-state solution.
This includes the demolition of Palestinian homes and Israeli settlements in the OPTs. Indeed, the UK is clear that these actions cause unnecessary suffering to ordinary Palestinians, call into question Israel's commitment to a viable two-state solution, and, in all but the most exceptional of cases, are contrary to International Law. Settlement expansion is also counterproductive in light of the recent normalisation agreements reached between Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco. I join Ministers and officials from the UK Embassy in Tel Aviv in calling for both of these actions to cease with immediate effect.
The UK’s position has not changed, including towards the West Bank and the 1967 borders. I am glad that the UK repeatedly reaffirms this commitment, directly and via the UN, and will continue to do so.
As you may know, in August 2020, Israel and the United Arab Emirates signed an agreement to normalise relations between the two countries, which is an historic step. I welcome that as part of this agreement, Israel agreed to suspend its plans for annexation of the West Bank. The UK has consistently opposed plans for annexation, which are counterproductive to securing peace in the region.
Ultimately, there is no substitute for direct talks between the Palestinians and Israel, which is the only way to a reach a two state solution and a lasting peace.