UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigns amid Israel‑Palestine tensions

Keir Starmer stepped down as the United Kingdom’s prime minister after a period of escalating strain in British‑Israeli relations. The Labour government had halted around 30 arms‑export licences to Israel in September 2024, citing concerns that the weapons could be used in violations of international humanitarian law during the Gaza war.

In July 2025 Starmer announced that the UK would recognise a Palestinian state unless Israel took concrete steps to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, a move that prompted harsh criticism from Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s remark that the decision was “shameful” and would only strengthen Hamas. The UK formally recognised Palestine in September 2025 and later imposed sanctions on two senior Israeli ministers accused of inciting violence against Palestinians.

The diplomatic fallout intensified after an anti‑Semitic attack on a Manchester synagogue, which Israeli officials linked to the UK's policy shift. Starmer hosted Israeli President Isaac Herzog at Downing Street, a meeting described as “hard‑line,” during which Herzog accused Starmer of echoing Hamas propaganda. Domestic opposition to Starmer’s handling of the Israel‑Palestine issue grew, culminating in his resignation.