Conservative politician Kemi Badenoch has cautioned that increased criticism of Israel by elements within the Labour Party could jeopardize British security by straining relations with a vital intelligence partner. Speaking on Sunday, Badenoch expressed concern that Labour’s moves to distance itself from Israel risk undermining cooperation that has previously contributed to protecting lives in the United Kingdom.

Badenoch specifically pointed to intelligence sharing between Israel and Britain as a key factor in preventing threats to British citizens. She suggested that some members of the Labour Party, particularly on the left wing, are pushing for harsher criticism of Israel in response to its military actions in Gaza, potentially at the expense of national security.

“Whether people like it or not, there are British citizens alive today because of intelligence that Israel gave us,” Badenoch said, emphasizing the strategic importance of maintaining close ties with Israel. She warned that government efforts to appease backbench critics could result in a reduction in vital security cooperation.

The debate within Labour about Israel has intensified in recent months. Some Labour MPs and supporters have expressed dissatisfaction with party leader Keir Starmer’s reluctance to explicitly condemn Israeli operations in Gaza. This internal tension has been linked to the party losing support among voters to the Green Party and independent candidates identifying as “Gaza Independents,” who have taken a more critical stance on Israel.

Andy Burnham, the Labour mayor of Greater Manchester, has been among those ramping up criticism of Israel’s actions, prompting accusations from Conservatives like Badenoch that such positions are pandering to the party’s left-wing base.

Labour’s leadership has maintained a more measured tone on the conflict, balancing expressions of concern for Palestinian civilians with recognition of Israel’s security concerns. The ongoing dispute within the party highlights the broader challenge faced by British political parties in addressing the complex and sensitive issues surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, while managing domestic political consequences.