Asia — Israel and PalestineI have no idea if the party has abandoned these positions. I can’t find this document on the UKIP website of today, but that does not mean they do not have it stashed away.
16.4 UKIP fully supports the right of Israel to exist as a Jewish state and recognizes the despicable anti-Semitism in European history, culminating in the Holocaust. Israel is surrounded by hostile states committed to its destruction. The tiny state has been the frequent victim of rocket attacks and suicide bombings from terrorist groups, almost all deliberately targeting civilians. Israel has every right to respond with proportionate force to these attacks, and a UKIP government would do the same were Britain similarly threatened. UKIP rejects the notion that Israel should be punished through sanctions or cancellation of trade deals (such as the EU-Israel Association Agreement) for defending itself from attack.
16.5 UKIP urges Israel to adopt a lasting solution based on a political dialogue and not just military strength. Political problems require political solutions. As with any genuine friend, UKIP reserves the right to be critical of Israel. We urge the Israeli army (IDF) to be proportional in its operations.
UKIP is particularly concerned by the alleged use of white phosphorus on the battlefield by the IDF and by allegations of Gaza Strip blockades which hinders reconstruction. Allegations that the Israeli secret service, Mossad, stole the identities of British citizens to forge passports for a hit squad that carried out an assassination in Dubai is also deeply concerning. UKIP is an ally of Israel, as is Britain, and if the allegations are true, it would be a damaging abuse of our friendship that Israel chose to abuse the identities of nationals of a supportive country.
16.6 UKIP calls for an immediate halt to the building of new settlements considered illegal under international law.
16.7 UKIP wishes to see a peaceful and mutually amicable settlement reached between Israel and the Palestinians. It is not for us to set the terms for these talks, nor the boundaries for any peace deal. This is an issue the Israelis and Palestinians must work out between themselves. UKIP would offer assistance if invited to do so by either party, based on the experience of the Northern Ireland Peace Process. …
That was very nice of you to dig that out. I’m sure it’s still in their back pocket and just stashed away from the public eye.
I must say I am bewildered why so many still relatively small political parties have to have huge statements about the one democracy in the Middle East. In my opinion, Israel is none of UKIP’s business.