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

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

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.

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. 

Read More Here

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."

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.

We Believe in Israel’s core values commit us as an organisation to support Israel as a democratic and Jewish state and that “We believe that the vibrancy of Israel’s democracy and internal debate is one of its sources of strength”. They also state that “We recognise and respect that some supporters of Israel will want to express legitimate criticism of specific Israeli policies.”

Our role is to bring together all supporters of Israel in the UK, across the political spectrum. As such we celebrate Israel as a state.

We approach the current debate within Israel about constitutional and judicial reform with those core values and objectives guiding our thinking.

We are proud that Israel is approaching its 75^th birthday having sustained a liberal, pluralistic, democratic political culture and the rule of law throughout its existence, despite incredible external pressures.

We do not support any moves which would erode Israel’s democratic norms or the pluralism and liberalism of Israeli society.  

We Believe in Israel (WBII) is a broad grassroots coalition of over 26,000 British supporters of Israel. Led by Director, Luke Akehurst, it campaigns against anti-Israel boycotts and delegitimisation of Israel and to ensure facts and a balanced picture of Israel are available to the British public and decision-makers.

WBII is recruiting a new Social Media Officer to focus on winning the social media battle against delegitimisation, antisemitic anti-Israel discourse and the boycott movement here in the UK – a gap in our capacity that we recognised we needed to plug during the 2021 Gaza conflict.

The post-holder will need to have experience of using the major social media platforms, ability to design infographics on Canva or a similar platform, and must support WBII’s core values (https://www.webelieveinisrael.org.uk/our_values).

We Believe in Israel (WBII) has announced it will be campaigning for music streaming service Spotify to remove extremist content which incites and promotes hatred, violence, and disinformation against Jews and Israelis. WBII’s research is ongoing, but the group has already identified dozens of instances of problematic material. WBII will be contacting Spotify directly in the coming days and ensuring that its supporters are kept up to date as this campaign develops.

WBII’s findings include the following:

• Rapper Lowkey’s “Long Live Palestine – Part 2” states that is time to have “globalised the Intifada”, that he had “studied the Torah and learnt by their own admission Israel's actions are not kosher in their own religion”, while contributing artist Hasan Salaam rapped “So whether it's the Mossad or the FBI policing you it's all one struggle till the final breath is leavin' you”
• His earlier “Long Live Palestine” echoes a popular antisemitic conspiracy theory with “Every coin is a bullet, if you're Marks and Spencer and when you're sipping Coca-Cola that's another pistol in the holster of the soulless soldiers. You say you know about the Zionist lobby but you put money in their pocket when you're buying their coffee”
• Rapper Ambassador MC (whose real name is Safeer Hussain)’s “Free Palestine” claims “what happened in America on 9/11 happens in Palestine, 24/7” and that “The Zionists and Jews are different types of people. The Jews ‘ain't bad, but the Zionists are evil. Even the Rabbis know the Zionists are crazy”. His 2021 rap “Free Palestine 2” states “Most [Palestinian prisoners] are killed brutally but some are set free”, and that “Israel wants every Palestine to bleed”
• Shadi al-Bourini and Qassem al-Najjar’s “Strike A Blow At Tel Aviv” says “Oh you settler, with your sidelocks, in your shelter you cower with fear” and “We don't want no truce or solution. All we want is to strike Tel Aviv”

Luke Akehurst, Director of We Believe In Israel says: “Spotify has a responsibility to uphold its platform rules which quite clearly state that content promoting, threatening, or inciting violence is unacceptable. Our research has identified dozens of such breaches, and we expect timely action to be taken. Following the high levels of antisemitism experienced by British Jews during and after last May’s escalation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas, it is remarkable that content directly inciting violence and hatred remains available. The presence of Lowkey’s music is particularly offensive. We view his comments about globalising the Intifada as a direct incitement of violence towards Jews and Israelis, while Hasan Salaam promotes commonly held and nefarious antisemitic conspiracy theories about Jewish world domination.”

Rachel Blain, Campaigns Manager of We Believe In Israel says: “We will put pressure on Spotify to ensure that problematic content is removed in a timely fashion. We Believe In Israel’s research is an ongoing project and we will continue to highlight music and podcasts which breach the platform’s rules.”

Welcoming the Home Secretary’s announcement of a long-awaited extension of the UK’s proscription of the military wing of terror group Hamas to its political wing, Director of campaign group We Believe in Israel Luke Akehurst said:

“It is very important that this ridiculous and dangerous loophole is being closed. We have campaigned for many years for the entirety of the terrorist organisation Hamas to be banned in the UK so that it cannot propagandise and spread its antisemitic message of hatred of Israel and Jews here. Thousands of our grassroots supporters emailed their MPs to call for this action in recent months. We welcome the Government’s decision to listen to this concern and act on it. We call on all MPs of all parties to support this move.”