300 Days of Captivity: A Call for Immediate Release of Hostages

Statement from We Believe In Israel (WBII) - 300 Days of Captivity: A Call for Immediate Release of Hostages

Today, we mark 300 days since the harrowing events of October 7th, a date seared into our collective memory when innocent Israelis were taken hostage by Hamas. As we reflect on this somber milestone, it is vital that we continue to speak the names of those still in captivity. These individuals are not just statistics; they are sons, daughters, mothers, fathers—people whose fundamental human rights have been egregiously violated.

The international community, particularly those who champion human rights, must rise to the occasion. We call upon world leaders, and specifically the UK government—a beacon of human rights and civil liberties—to lead the charge in demanding the immediate release of these hostages. This is not merely a plea for justice; it is a call to uphold the very principles that define our shared humanity.

The plight of these hostages must not be relegated to the background. Their freedom is a cause that transcends politics and borders. We stand united in our commitment to their safe return, and we will not rest until they are home, where they belong.

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Statement from We Believe In Israel (WBII) on the ICC Decision

Statement from We Believe In Israel (WBII) on the ICC Decision

We Believe In Israel (WBII) condemns in the strongest possible terms the UK's decision to withdraw its objection to the ICC's request for arrest warrants against Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. It is entirely unacceptable to equate the leadership of a democratic state with Hamas, a proscribed terrorist organisation. Such a comparison undermines the fundamental principles of justice and international law. The UK must uphold a clear distinction between a nation defending its citizens and a group perpetrating terrorism. The decisions made today will significantly shape the UK's international reputation and its legacy in upholding truth and justice. The implications are far-reaching and require immediate reconsideration.



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Statement from We Believe in Israel: A Call to Proscribe Both the Houthis & the IRGC

Statement from We Believe in Israel: A Call to Proscribe Both the Houthis & the IRGC

 

In light of the recent Houthi drone attack on Tel Aviv, which resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries, We Believe in Israel calls upon the UK government to formally proscribe the Houthis and their patron,  the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) under UK law. This is not merely a matter of enhancing our legal toolkit against terrorism but a crucial step in supporting our key ally, Israel, in its ongoing fight for security and sovereignty.

The attack on Tel Aviv starkly illustrates the sophisticated nature of the Houthis' military capabilities—capabilities that are clearly beyond the reach of a militia operating independently. The substantial evidence of IRGC support and training provided to the Houthis necessitates a comprehensive strategy to disrupt this alliance. The IRGC's involvement is not a peripheral detail but a central factor that enables the Houthis to pose a significant threat to regional stability.

We must therefore consider what additional legal tools we have at our disposal. One such tool is proscription. Designating the Houthis and the IRGC as proscribed terrorist organisations would enable more comprehensive measures to disrupt their operations and financial networks, thus supporting Israel - a key ally, in its effort to defend and assert its territorial integrity. Proscription is a powerful legal instrument that could significantly impede the Houthis' ability to operate and reduce the threat they pose.

Furthermore, the UK must adapt its laws to make it possible to proscribe the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The IRGC is a key player in supporting and orchestrating terrorist activities against both our strategic interests and national security. 

The evidence is clear: the IRGC's relationship with the Houthis is a calculated strategy to project power and disrupt international stability while maintaining plausible deniability. Proscribing the Houthis and the IRGC would not only hinder these operations but also reinforce the UK’s commitment to global security and the fight against terrorism.

We urge the UK government to adopt these measures promptly. It is time to recognise and address the real source of the threat, ensuring that our actions are as robust as the challenges we face.

#WeBelieveInIsrael



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Statement from We Believe in Israel: Celebrating the Olympic Spirit

Statement from We Believe in Israel: Celebrating the Olympic Spirit

 

As the Olympic Games are set to commence (25 July), We Believe in Israel extends our best wishes to the athletes from both the United Kingdom and Israel. In a world often marked by discord, the Olympics remind us of what humanity can achieve when we pursue excellence and unity.

The Olympics are more than a sporting event; they are a testament to the values of perseverance, camaraderie, and fair competition. Athletes from around the world gather not just to compete, but to exemplify unity and mutual respect. It is here that the ideals of global cooperation and peaceful competition shine brightest.

For the UK and Israel, this is a time to honour the dedication and resilience of our athletes. Their preparation and commitment reflect the highest standards of human endeavour, serving as an inspiration to all, showcasing the virtues of hard work and the pursuit of excellence.

As we watch the games, let us remember that the Olympics symbolise our shared humanity and the values that can unite us across borders and cultures. We wish all the athletes a successful and rewarding Olympic experience, one that embodies the true spirit of this remarkable event.

#WeBelieveInIsrael #WBIIOlympics



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The Right to Self-Defend: Israel's Response to Houthi Aggression

The Right to Self-Defend: Israel's Response to Houthi Aggression

 

On Friday, July 19, Israel endured an unprovoked and aggressive drone attack launched by the Houthi rebels from Yemen. These drones specifically targeted civilian areas, escalating regional hostilities significantly. Tragically, one drone caused an explosion in the centre of Tel Aviv, resulting in one fatality, while another was intercepted by the IDF.

The Houthis, with spokesperson Yahya Sare’e, claimed responsibility, boasting of a new drone capable of evading interception systems. Sare’e proclaimed, “We will continue to strike these targets in response to the enemy’s massacres and daily crimes against our brothers in the Gaza Strip. Our operations will only cease when the aggression stops and the siege on the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip is lifted.”

Israel, asserting its legitimate right to self-defence under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, conducted precise retaliatory strikes against Houthi positions in Yemen. The Charter clearly states: "Nothing in the present Charter shall impair the inherent right of individual or collective self-defence if an armed attack occurs against a Member of the United Nations."

This attack involved sophisticated technology supplied by the Islamic Republic of Iran, underscoring the advanced capabilities and dangerous reach of the Houthi forces. The involvement of Iran in this act of aggression is a chilling reminder of its destabilising influence in the region. The broader implications of these attacks are clear: Israel's defensive measures are not only about protecting its own sovereignty but also about curbing the spread of terrorism facilitated by Iran.

Israel's retaliatory strikes were meticulously planned to neutralise the threat posed by the Houthi drones. These actions are not only justified but necessary to protect Israeli civilians and maintain regional stability. The international community must recognise Israel's right to defend itself against such threats and support efforts to deter future attacks.

It is crucial for Israel's allies and friends to stand firmly by its side as it faces ongoing attacks from those who wish to see it disappear. Israel’s right to self-defence is paramount, and it is essential for the global community to support Israel in its efforts to ensure its security and survival amidst relentless hostility.

#WeBelieveInIsrael



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Statement from We Believe in Israel on Labour's Policy Shift Regarding Israel

 

Reconsidering UNRWA Funding: Implications for UK Policy and Peace Efforts

It is with considerable concern that we address the recent deliberations within the Labour Party regarding a potential shift in policy on Israel, as highlighted by The Guardian on 16 July 2024. In an era where moral clarity is often obscured, we must be unequivocal about the potential ramifications of such a shift, particularly in the context of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

UNRWA’s history is deeply problematic. The organisation has long been entwined with Hamas, a terrorist entity proscribed by the UK. Israeli intelligence has repeatedly flagged instances where UNRWA facilities and resources have been co-opted by Hamas operatives for terrorist activities, including the horrific attacks on 7 October 2023, where UNRWA employees were allegedly involved​. Such affiliations are not just incidental; they are symptomatic of a systemic issue within UNRWA that cannot be ignored.

Moreover, the educational materials disseminated by UNRWA have been found to contain virulent antisemitic content and calls to violence. These are not mere oversights but deliberate indoctrination efforts that poison young minds against Jews and Israel. This is antithetical to the principles of peace and coexistence that we, as a society, hold dear​​.

Reinstituting funding to UNRWA under these conditions would send a dangerous signal. It would place the United Kingdom in a precarious position, directly contravening its own laws which rightly proscribe Hamas as a terrorist organisation. To support an entity with such evident ties to Hamas is to risk inadvertently legitimising an organisation known for its violent extremism—an organisation that is, it must be noted, proscribed under British law.

While we understand and support the UK government’'s commitment to alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people, it is imperative to recognise that UNRWA is not the vehicle for such endeavour. To view it as such defies logic and undermines genuine efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.

We urge the British government and Parliament to reconsider any movement towards refunding UNRWA. Instead, let us seek alternative means of support that uphold our values and security, fostering an environment conducive to true peace and human dignity.

In these times, it is crucial that our actions reflect a steadfast commitment to both morality and pragmatism. Let us ensure that our support does not perpetuate violence but rather, builds a foundation for lasting peace.

We Believe in Israel Team



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We Believe in Israel Backs UK Ceasefire Conditional on Immediate Hostage Release

We Believe in Israel Backs UK Ceasefire Conditional on Immediate Hostage Release

In the face of the relentless assaults endured by Israel, We Believe in Israel resolutely endorses Britain’s call for a ceasefire in Gaza and emphatically demands that any such call be formulated around the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. To fail in this regard would be to lend tacit support to the gravest atrocity inflicted upon Israel and the Jewish people since the Shoah.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy recently articulated, “The death and destruction in Gaza is intolerable. This war must end now, with an immediate ceasefire, complied with by both sides. The fighting has got to stop, the hostages still cruelly detained by Hamas terrorists need to be released immediately, and aid must be allowed in to reach the people of Gaza without restrictions.”

While any loss of life and destruction is a cause for alarm, we must remember who has orchestrated this war. Hamas’ strategy has been to stage and inflict maximum harm. Both the UK and Israel must stand resolute against the rise of terror so that peace can be built. There is no nobler fight than that of a sovereign nation defending itself against foreign aggressors, especially those who brandish the banner of hate.

We Believe in Israel has every faith that the new government under the leadership of Prime Minister Keir Starmer will be steadfast in its commitment towards Israel and the many communities who find themselves under a constant barrage of hate. To call for peace is indeed a worthy endeavour, but capitulation before Hamas must not and cannot define our policies. Democracy is an arduous task that requires immense moral clarity and courage—qualities that the United Kingdom has long upheld.

The sanctity of innocent lives compels us to emphasise the UK's unwavering tradition of defending and preserving democracy. It is imperative that we do not trivialise the barbaric onslaught against the State of Israel, the affront to its territorial sovereignty, and the savage attacks on its people. Equally pernicious is the rhetoric that seeks to disguise these calls for an end to hostilities—not with the genuine aim of peace, but with the sinister objective of eradicating the Jewish State.

The United Kingdom must remain steadfast, ensuring that these heinous acts are unequivocally condemned, thereby upholding the principles of democracy and the inherent right of self-defence. Only through such clarity and steadfastness can we honour our commitments and protect the foundations of a civilised world.



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Operation Swords of Iron: Briefing Pack

We Believe in Israel, alongside other leaders of the community and advocacy groups, has put together a briefing pack for the Israeli counter-offensive. 

Named Operations Swords of Iron, Israel is taking action to defend itself and it's civilians. 

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Statement regarding Knesset vote to cancel reasonability clause

Following the Knesset vote to amend the Basic Law: The Judiciary, that cancels the use of reasonability when judges review governmental decisions, We Believe in Israel has issued the following statement:

"We Believe in Israel is deeply concerned that despite the increasing divisions and civil unrest over the Israeli Government’s proposed judicial reforms, negotiation and attempts to reach compromise failed.
 
We continue to applaud the Israeli people for conducting their protests non-violently, using all the methods available to citizens of a liberal democracy.
 
We welcome the fact that protests both in Israel and in the diaspora have used explicitly patriotic imagery, such as Israeli flags and singing of Hatikva, the national anthem, to show that one can be vehemently opposed to a particular government or policy of Israel whilst passionately loving and supporting the country and what it stands for. This reinforces everything that We Believe in Israel stands for.
 
We urge all parties in Israel to do their utmost to find a compromise way forward that reunites Israeli society expeditiously."

 

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Statement on Israeli judicial reforms

We Believe in Israel welcomes that after increasing divisions and civil unrest over the Israeli Government’s proposed judicial reforms a period of negotiation and attempts to reach compromise is taking place.

 

We congratulate President Herzog on his efforts to find a national compromise and on hosting the negotiations.

 

We applaud the Israeli people for conducting their protests non-violently, using all the methods available to citizens of a liberal democracy.

 

We welcome the fact that protests both in Israel and in the diaspora have used explicitly patriotic imagery, such as Israeli flags and singing of Hatikva, the national anthem, to show that one can be vehemently opposed to a particular government or policy of Israel whilst passionately loving and supporting the country and what it stands for. This reinforces everything that We Believe in Israel stands for.

 

We would now urge all political parties in Israel to do their utmost to find a compromise way forward that reunites Israeli society.

 

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