British Health Secretary Wes Streeting's Private Israel Comments Revealed
Revelation Context
British Health Secretary Wes Streeting's private comments from July 2025, in which he asserted Israel was "committing war crimes before our eyes" and advocated for state-level sanctions, have been disclosed.
The comments were revealed through text message correspondence between Streeting and former British ambassador to the US, Peter Mandelson. Streeting released these messages on Monday in an apparent effort to address rumors concerning his association with Mandelson, who resigned from the Labour Party last week due to revelations about his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.
Discrepancy with Government Stance
Streeting's private statements on Israel may pose a challenge for Keir Starmer's government, which has consistently avoided accusing Israel of committing war crimes.
Details of the Private Exchange
In the disclosed messages, Streeting, who is considered a potential successor to Starmer, consulted Mandelson on the recognition of a Palestinian state. Britain subsequently recognized a Palestinian state in September 2025.
Streeting expressed that recognition was "morally and politically" appropriate. He cited that "Israel is committing war crimes before our eyes," and mentioned meeting medics who described "chilling and distressing scenes of calculated brutality against women and children." He also stated his long-standing support for Labour Friends of Israel.
"Israel is committing war crimes before our eyes."
Mandelson voiced concern that such a gesture could undermine a two-state solution. Streeting responded by stating, "Israel is doing it anyway," describing Israel's actions as "rogue state behaviour," and suggesting sanctions be applied to the state itself, not just individual ministers.
Government Actions and Public Statements
The Labour government sanctioned far-right Israeli ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich in June 2025, but did not implement broader sanctions against Israel. While diplomatic relations between Britain and Israel have been strained under Labour, with a partial arms embargo in place, military collaboration continued.
In March 2025, Starmer had previously adjusted remarks by then-Foreign Secretary David Lammy concerning Israel's actions as a "breach of international law." Streeting has not publicly called for state-level sanctions on Israel or accused it of war crimes, though in September he stated that Israeli President Isaac Herzog "needs to answer the allegations of war crimes, of ethnic cleansing and of genocide."
Streeting's Political Outlook
The text messages also indicate Streeting's concerns about his political future. He feared not retaining his Ilford North seat in the next election, which he won narrowly in 2024 against an independent British Palestinian candidate. He questioned the Labour Party's clear appeal to voters.
The release of these messages is widely interpreted as a strategic move to strengthen his position for a potential leadership bid and to increase pressure on Starmer regarding Mandelson's appointment.