Kemi Badenoch has sparked controversy after defending Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, claiming it is fighting a “proxy war on behalf of the UK” against Hamas, and rejecting accusations of genocide.
The Conservative leader made this known on Sunday during an interview at Sky News, pushing back against growing international criticism of Israel’s conduct in Gaza.
Recall that a rare joint statement from Labour leader Keir Starmer, former Bank of England governor Mark Carney, and French President Emmanuel Macron, asked Israel to end the “intolerable” human suffering or face “further concrete actions.”
Following the statement, the UK on Tuesday, suspended trade negotiations with Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lashed out at the UK, France, and Canada, accusing them of siding with “humanity’s enemies” and claiming Hamas had “thanked” them for their position on the issue.
Netanyahu’s government has vowed to continue military operations until full control is established over Gaza.
Speaking to Sky News, Badenoch refused to condemn Netanyahu’s statement, saying, “I’m not here to police the language of the prime minister of Israel.”
Highlighting Iran’s support for Hamas, she argued that “Israel is fighting a proxy war on behalf of the UK, just like Ukraine is on behalf of western Europe against Russia. We have to get serious!”
When asked whether she was equating Israel’s actions in Gaza with Ukraine’s fight against Russia, Badenoch defended Israel’s actions.
“Israel is fighting a war. It is not for me to police exactly how they are doing that. It is not a genocide, as people are saying.”
Badenoch denied a suggestion that she is reluctant to criticise Israel, saying, “That’s not true. I have criticised things before, but right now there are 58 hostages who have not been returned home.”
She also took aim at Starmer, arguing that if Hamas was expressing approval for his actions, “you’ve probably done something wrong.”
“Israel is fighting a war where they want to get 58 hostages who have not been returned, that is what all of this is about, They have said there won’t be a ceasefire until they get their people back,” she said.
“What we need to make sure is that we are on the side that needs to eradicate Hamas. We need that to happen if we are ever going to get a two-state solution and end this war.”
The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages.
Since then, Israel’s military campaign has reportedly killed more than 53,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between soldiers and civilians.
