Israel has criticized the United Kingdom for damaging bilateral relations, despite providing British authorities with intelligence about a planned Iran-backed attack on RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. Israeli officials say they warned MI5 of the threat shortly before the UK government announced sanctions on goods from Israeli settlements in the West Bank on September 8.
A senior Israeli source said the warning concerned an imminent attack specifically targeting RAF Fairford, a base used by the United States for military operations. The official accused the British government of prioritizing political interests over security cooperation, stating the UK was "hell bent on destroying a relationship that has saved countless British lives." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed the criticism, describing Britain’s sanctions as a rapid and contradictory response following the intelligence tip-off. Netanyahu called the moves “absurd” and warned of the dangers posed by what he described as an "Islamist-Marxist alliance" gaining influence in the UK.
On the British side, Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband defended the sanctions, which targeted products from settlements deemed illegal under international law. Miliband accused Israeli settlers of “ethnic cleansing” during a Commons statement and vowed to enforce the full extent of the sanctions. The measures, which have significantly strained UK-Israel relations, prompted Israel to close the British consulate in Jerusalem in retaliation.
The intelligence exchange and subsequent diplomatic fallout have prompted debate within the UK. Luke Akehurst, Labour MP for North Durham, emphasized the importance of intelligence collaboration with Israel, noting that “the safety of British citizens is greatly enhanced” by such partnerships. Meanwhile, the arrests linked to the alleged terror plot have heightened concerns about Iran’s role in activities on British soil.
A 25-year-old Iranian-British man was detained in Westminster on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts, while five British nationals were arrested over the weekend in connection with a suspected plot against RAF Fairford. The five were released on bail within 36 hours.
Authorities reported finding three suspicious vans parked near the base on the morning of the attempted attack. Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, head of counter-terror policing, expressed a strong belief that Iran was involved in orchestrating the plot, though full details remain under investigation. The UK government has confirmed its belief in Iranian involvement but has refrained from providing further specifics.
Iran has denied any role in the incident, with Tehran reiterating its previous statements that consider RAF Fairford a legitimate target due to its use by the United States in regional military actions.
The Home Office and Foreign Office declined to comment further on the matter. The incident has spotlighted ongoing challenges in UK security efforts against Iran-linked threats as political tensions between London and Jerusalem continue to escalate.