Portrait of Rachel Reeves
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Rachel Reeves on Israel

Zionist ally (strong)

TL;DR

Rachel Reeves is an unapologetic Zionist who strongly supports Israel's right to self-determination and the Jewish community in the UK.

Key Points

  • She explicitly stated, "I am a Zionist not in spite of my belief in democracy and freedom and equality, but because of those beliefs" as of December 2025.

  • The Chancellor declared that the government supports the widening and deepening of the Abraham Accords to advance prospects for a two-state solution.

  • She confirmed the Foreign Secretary would host civil society representatives in March to support the establishment of an international fund for Israeli-Palestinian peace.

Summary

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has strongly articulated her position as an unapologetic Zionist, stating this belief is rooted in her commitment to democracy, freedom, and equality. She defended the right of the Jewish people to self-determination in the context of her support for Israel, particularly in speeches delivered to groups supportive of the nation. Reeves has also expressed deep concern over the rise of antisemitism in the UK since the October 7, 2023 attacks, linking it directly to hatred of Israel.

While affirming her unwavering support and solidarity with Israel, the Chancellor acknowledged the shocking and heartbreaking scenes from the war in Gaza and stated that the actions of the Israeli government must not be beyond criticism. She asserted that the government supports lifting all restrictions on humanitarian aid flow into Gaza and is committed to the two-state solution, which includes supporting an international fund for Israeli-Palestinian peace. Reeves has also committed to stamping out antisemitism within the Labour party and wider society, which she sees as vital for the security of the Jewish community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rachel Reeves has positioned herself as an unapologetic Zionist, asserting that this identity aligns with her progressive values of democracy and equality. She strongly defends the right of the Jewish people to self-determination. The Chancellor maintains this stance while also stating the Israeli government's actions must be open to criticism.

Yes, the Chancellor has acknowledged the shocking and heartbreaking scenes from the war in Gaza, stating no parent can feel otherwise when seeing children suffer. She has also said that the actions of the Israeli government must not be beyond criticism. However, she links the war's origins to the October 7 attack by Hamas.

Rachel Reeves has called the record increase in antisemitic incidents since October 7 a “stain on this country” and stated that hatred of Israel rests at the core of modern antisemitism. She has pledged robust action to tackle the root causes of antisemitism and to protect the Jewish community at home.