Britain's complicated history with Israel
Britain's complicated history with Israel newspress_en Sat, 09/12/2026 - 05:19 Documents & Memoirs Over the last few days, multiple countries have singled out the government of Israel for reproach over its failure to control the actions of settlers on the West Bank, where they have repeatedly attacked Palestinians to drive them from the land. And in a rare rebuke, US Ambassador to Israel, Mike…
The relationship between Britain and Israel has been fraught with challenges and complexities throughout history. The two nations' intertwined destinies began in 1917 when British forces took control of Jerusalem from the Ottoman Empire, replacing one colonial power with another. This marked the start of Britain's lengthy involvement in the region, ultimately leading to the creation of the modern-day state of Israel.
In December 1917, Britain took control of Mandatory Palestine, comprising the land between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea. The British government's announcement of support for a Jewish national home in Palestine (known as the Balfour Declaration) in late 1917 further complicated relations, as it pitted Britain between the competing interests of Zionist Jews and Palestinian Arabs.
The situation worsened in the 1930s due to rising Jewish immigration, both legal and illegal, from Europe amid the rise of fascism and anti-Semitism. In response, the British government limited Jewish immigration and land purchases in 1939, causing frustration among Zionist organizations. This tension led to the establishment of militant groups like Irgun and Lehi (the Stern Gang), which employed violence to challenge British rule.
By 1948, Mandatory Palestine had become unmanageable, and Britain relinquished control, granting Israel its independence. Despite their complicated past, both Britain and Israel have found common ground in their shared desire for security and stability in the region.
Written by urgent.news from Al Majalla English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
