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British opposition leader Kemi Badenoch has stirred controversy by suggesting that Israel is engaged in a “proxy war” on the UK’s behalf in Gaza, likening the conflict to Ukraine’s struggle against Russia.
Speaking to Sky News presenter Trevor Phillips on Sunday, Badenoch made the provocative claim while defending Israel’s ongoing military bombardment in Gaza, which has been widely condemned internationally for its humanitarian toll.
Her comments come during increasing global criticism of Israel’s actions, with a joint statement issued earlier in the week by the UK, France, and Canada urging Israel to stop the “intolerable” suffering in Gaza. The three countries also warned that failure to act would lead to unspecified “concrete measures.”
As part of the growing diplomatic rift, the UK government suspended its free trade negotiations with Israel on Tuesday.
When asked whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s rhetoric was appropriate, Badenoch declined to criticise his words.
“I’m not here to police the language of Israel’s prime minister,” she said. “Who is backing Hamas? Iran—an enemy of this country. Israel is fighting a proxy war on behalf of the UK, just as Ukraine is doing on behalf of Western Europe against Russia. We need to face reality.”
Phillips then questioned whether she was equating Israel’s attacks in Gaza with Ukraine’s defence against Russia.
“Israel is at war. It’s not my place to dictate the specifics of how they carry it out,” Badenoch replied. “It’s not a genocide, contrary to what some are claiming.”
When pressed further, Phillips noted that she didn’t appear to be condemning any of Israel’s actions. Badenoch pushed back, saying, “That’s not the case. I have previously voiced criticism. But right now, 58 hostages remain in captivity.”
Israel has continued to restrict humanitarian access to Gaza, maintaining the closure of border crossings since March 2, exacerbating what rights groups and international bodies describe as an already dire humanitarian crisis.
Since launching its assault on Gaza in October 2023, the Israeli military campaign has claimed the lives of over 53,900 Palestinians, with a majority of casualties reported to be women and children.
In November, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, citing allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Gaza.
Israel is also facing proceedings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over accusations of genocide targeting civilians in the besieged Palestinian territory.
