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Boris Johnson on Israel-Palestine Conflict

Two-state solution advocate (strong)

TL;DR

Boris Johnson consistently supports a two-state solution but his actions have been interpreted as leaning toward Israeli interests post-Brexit.

Key Points

  • He publicly welcomed the May 2021 ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and called for a durable solution to the conflict.

  • While Foreign Secretary, he argued that not pursuing a two-state solution would lead to an apartheid system.

  • In November 2023, he undertook a solidarity trip to Israel alongside the former Australian Prime Minister following the October 7 attacks.

Summary

Boris Johnson has repeatedly affirmed his core position that the only viable solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict is two independent and sovereign states: Israel and Palestine. This stance, which he articulated even as Foreign Secretary, is based on the principle that a Palestinian state is necessary to secure Israel's demographic future as a Jewish and democratic nation. He has warned that failing to achieve this would lead to an apartheid system. Despite this stated commitment to the two-state framework, his post-Brexit foreign policy, particularly his support for a controversial US peace plan and his government's shifting voting patterns at the UN, has been viewed by some as compromising this long-held position and leaning toward supporting Israeli positions.

His government's approach has shown policy continuity on some fronts, such as maintaining trade agreements with both parties, but with a noticeable tilt toward closer UK-Israel trade and security relations following the UK's departure from the European Union. He once suggested the UK should remain engaged within European discussions to support Israel against boycotts, but since Brexit, his administration has demonstrated increased legislative autonomy at the UN, sometimes diverging from EU consensus in ways perceived as more favorable to Israel. Furthermore, when serving as Prime Minister, he made a solidarity trip to Israel in November 2023 to express support amid conflict with Hamas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boris Johnson's core stated position is a strong advocacy for a two-state solution, involving two independent and sovereign states, Israel and Palestine. He has emphasized that this is the only way to ensure Israel's future as both a Jewish and democratic nation. He warned that the alternative would be an apartheid system.

While his stated commitment to the two-state solution appears consistent, his actions post-Brexit have led to scrutiny. Specifically, his support for the Trump administration's peace plan indicated a pragmatic deviation from previous international consensus. His visit to Israel in late 2023 was framed as an expression of solidarity.

Boris Johnson has stated that the creation of a Palestinian state is essential for securing Israel's demographic future as a Jewish and democratic nation. He has made it clear that without this outcome, the alternative for the region would be an apartheid-like system. This view was present even during his time as Foreign Secretary.