UK Defense Minister Wes Streeting stands by war-crimes claim on Israel
Streeting did not retract the remarks after joining Andy Burnham’s cabinet, while arms purchases remain subject to government procedures.
British Defense Minister Wes Streeting refused to withdraw his earlier statement that Israel has committed war crimes in Gaza and the West Bank, even though he now serves in Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s cabinet. On the sidelines of the Farnborough International Airshow on Wednesday (22/7), Streeting said Israel should be held to the same standards as Britain and its allies, while still recognizing Israel’s right to defend itself. Asked whether Britain would continue buying weapons from Israel, he said procurement, trade and diplomatic decisions are set through the government framework, not by him alone. Republika also wrote that Britain recognized the state of Palestine on 21 September 2025, while the war in the Gaza Strip was still ongoing.