UK Defence Secretary Criticizes Israel's Conduct in Gaza and West Bank

Wes Streeting, the new British Defence Secretary, has criticized Israel's conduct during its war in Gaza and the measures it has taken in the West Bank.

According to statements reported by The Times, Streeting said that Israel "did not adhere to British military standards" during its operations in Gaza and the West Bank, while simultaneously affirming his "strong support for Israel's right to defend itself," as he put it.

He clarified that he had "previously expressed clear concern about Israel's behavior in Gaza and the West Bank," and that Britain's support for Israel's security does not prevent London from issuing criticisms when it views military operations as exceeding what it considers its military or humanitarian standards.

These remarks were made during his participation at the Farnborough Airshow, marking his first public appearance since assuming the defence portfolio.

The newspaper noted that Streeting's comments reflect a continuation of his previous positions, citing that in previously revealed private messages, he described Israeli actions as amounting to war crimes and supported the British recognition of the State of Palestine.