As Britain threatens its diplomatic relationship with Israel, Rt. Hon. James Arbuthnot MP, chairman of the Conservative Friends of Israel group has sent the following e-mail to the Foreign Secretary, seen exclusively first by The Commentator: 

Dear William,

 

This is a short note about the current situation in Israel, and Britain’s reaction to it. While it was inevitable that Israel would respond to the move by the Palestinians that you yourself said would not receive our support because it was wrong, the granting of permission for further settlements in sensitive areas is also wrong.  It plays into the hands of those who oppose peace, and risks adverse reaction from the international community.

 

But to withdraw our ambassador would make it harder for us to drive these points home.  It would be a response to Israel of a character that we have never inflicted on the Palestinians even for worse behaviour.  And it would be less effective in that it would be action by one country rather than by several, action which would risk permanently reducing our influence in the Middle East Peace Process.

 

I do hope you agree, and wonder if you might keep in touch with regard to developments over the coming days.

 

Yours ever,

 

Rt Hon James Arbuthnot MP