This petition was submitted during the 2015–2017 Conservative government
Petition Inquiry into Israel influencing British political democracy.
Further to the revelation made by Al-Jazeera that a senior political officer at the UK’s Israeli Embassy talked of bringing down a UK Minister, other MPs, and influenced the setting up of groups within the Conservative and Labour Party, which are of serious concern.
More details
These actions of an employee of a foreign Embassy demonstrate major external interference into British domestic politics, which is a serious national security issue.
It is therefore important that MPs openly debate the issue. We the undersigned urge the government to investigate this issue further, and prioritise this petition for a debate in parliament on receipt of the required signatories.
This petition closed early because of a General Election Find out more on the Petitions Committee website
Government responded
This response was given on 10 February 2017
The Israeli Ambassador apologised and is clear the comments do not reflect the view of the Embassy or Government of Israel. The UK has a strong relationship with Israel. We consider the matter closed.
Read the response in full
The UK is a close friend of Israel and we enjoy an excellent bilateral relationship, built on decades of cooperation between our two countries across a range of fields such as education, hi-tech research, business, arts and culture.
We are continuing to deepen and advance our links with Israel in these areas. Both countries have much we can share with each other and benefit from our relationship.
It is clear that in this case, these remarks can only be attributed to one person. The Israeli Ambassador has apologised and explained that the comments made do not reflect the views of the Embassy or Government of Israel.
The Embassy has informed us that the official has resigned from his position at the Israeli Embassy and left the UK.
The UK therefore considers this matter closed.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office