Netanyahu Claims Israel Aided UK in Foiling Iran-Linked Attack Plot

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israeli intelligence provided Britain with a warning about a planned attack on the Royal Air Force Fairford base, allegedly supported by Iran. The attack was reportedly thwarted due to this intelligence, preventing potential casualties. Netanyahu revealed this in an interview with the Daily Mail, published on Saturday.

In the same interview, Netanyahu sharply criticized the UK government's policies, including restrictions on trade with settlements in Judea and Samaria and a partial arms embargo. He described the UK, under its current Labour government, as acting like a "rogue state," suggesting its actions are driven by a desire to appease left-wing and Islamist allies. Earlier in September, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced sanctions against settlements in Judea and Samaria, following London's intention to revise its policy toward Israel.

The incident near RAF Fairford, which occurred the previous week, is being investigated as a potential terrorist attack. Individuals detained in connection with the event were released within 24 hours. Netanyahu asserted that without Israel's intelligence, the attack would likely have occurred, potentially costing British lives. He characterized London's policy as "incredible hypocrisy."

Netanyahu also noted he had not yet spoken with the new UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, despite him being in office for two months. The Israeli premier accused the Labour Party of succumbing to internal political pressure regarding Israel and acknowledged the current poor state of relations between the two countries. He argued that the UK government is appeasing Islamist forces and attacking Israel, a nation fighting terrorists, calling it a "distortion of logic and justice."

Drawing parallels to historical appeasement, Netanyahu referenced Churchill's concept of "the lethargy of democracies," warning that democracies can fall asleep while their enemies attack. He also addressed the broader struggle against "barbarians," stating that Western civilization is fighting them, yet Israel is portrayed as the main enemy. He questioned why protests are directed at Israel rather than Iranian embassies.

Furthermore, Netanyahu touched upon the issue of migration across the English Channel, warning that the UK could lose border control if it doesn't act. He expressed hope for a recovery of relations, recalling decades of exceptional ties and regretting their current deterioration.