22 January, 2013

About Labour Friends of Israel

Labour Friends of Israel supports a negotiated two-state solution for two peoples; with Israel safe, secure and recognised within its borders; living alongside a viable, democratic and independent Palestinian state.

We are hugely proud of Labour’s long-standing commitment to, and support for, the Jewish people’s right to self-determination in their historic homeland and the State of Israel. We celebrate Israel’s record as a beacon of democracy, the rule of law and minority rights in the Middle East. We stand with all those Israelis – Jews and non-Jews – who seek to realise and expand the goal of equality set out in Israel’s Declaration of Independence.

We promote a vision of peace founded on coexistence, cooperation, and mutual respect and recognition between the Israeli and Palestinian peoples. We support political, economic and civic society initiatives to further the cause of peace and a two-state solution. We advocate for peacebuilders in both Israel and Palestine in their work to achieve these vital goals. 

We call for the renunciation of all terrorism, violence and incitement. We oppose all attempts to demonise and delegitimise the world’s only Jewish state, and the antisemitism which drives it. We urge greater international recognition of the multiple and existential threats Israel faces and seek greater international solidarity with Israelis in countering them.

We support diplomatic efforts to bring peace between Israel and its regional neighbours. We stand with all those campaigning for liberal democratic values and human rights across the Middle East. 

We are proud of Labour’s record in government to strengthen the ties between Britain and Israel. We view Israel as an essential strategic partner in the Middle East. We work to further enhance the warm and growing economic, political and security relations between our two countries, recognising the direct benefits they bring to the safety, wellbeing and prosperity of the British people.