Improve ties with Israel to defend Britain, former RAF chief tells Starmer
UK needs Israel to plug gaps in air and missile defense and counter-drone technologies, says Air Vice-Marshal Philip Lester
April 12, 2026
The UK must restore relations with Israel to help address gaps in Britain’s air defense capabilities, a former RAF chief has warned.
Air Vice-Marshal Philip Lester said there were “notable gaps” in the UK’s air defenses that could be exploited by hostile states seeking to strike the British mainland.
He described Israel as a “valuable partner” in strengthening national security and urged the prime minister to show a “willingness to learn” from the Jewish state.
The intervention from the former senior RAF figure comes amid mounting concerns over the state of Britain’s Armed Forces.
Britain is facing greater threats, highlighted by an Iranian missile strike on RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus last month.
At the same time, relations between the UK and Israel have deteriorated to a historic low. Sir Keir Starmer has not spoken to his Israeli counterpart since the UK recognized Palestinian statehood. The government has also suspended some arms export licenses to Israel, while the IDF has been barred from the Royal College of Defense Studies.
Lester, who previously held a senior position at the college, made his remarks in a foreword to a new report by Labour Friends of Israel on strengthening UK air defenses.
He wrote: “The UK faces a clear and pressing challenge. While it retains world-class capabilities in many areas, there are notable gaps in IAMD [integrated air and missile defense] , counter-drone technologies and the rapid fielding of innovative systems.
“Yet in recent years, this relationship has not always been leveraged to its full potential, particularly in the defence and security sphere. Re-energising the UK–Israel defence dialogue is therefore essential.”
His comments were echoed by the leader of the opposition, who argued that Labour must repair its “damaged” relationship with Israel in the interest of national security.
Kemi Badenoch said Britain needed to re-arm for a “21st-century war,” and Israel could act as an example in defending against missiles.
UK needs Israel to plug gaps in air and missile defence and counter-drone technologies, says Air Vice-Marshal Philip Lester
www.thejc.com
So the only reason Britain is interested in a relationship with Israel is to cover it's own inefficiencies.
If I was Israel .....
When has Britain come to Israels aid against Hamas?
A comprehensive investigation exposes the United Kingdom as one of the top foreign sources of funding for Hamas, the terrorist organization that orchestrated the brutal October 7 massacre in Israel. According to detailed UK government and UN documents analyzed by NGO Monitor and Israeli media, over 25 percent of Hamas’s global funding comes from Britain, including tens of millions of dollars channeled through humanitarian aid programs in Gaza.
Since Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007, it has systematically diverted international aid to finance its military infrastructure, pay salaries, and consolidate power. The report reveals that UK taxpayer funds, administered via the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), have been funneled into UN programs, most notably UNICEF’s cash assistance initiative in Gaza, which cooperates with the Hamas-controlled Ministry of Social Development (MoSD).
This cash assistance program provides monthly payments of $200-$300 to over half a million Gazans. However, the beneficiary lists used to distribute these funds are supplied by Hamas officials, effectively giving the terrorist group control over aid distribution. UK government documents acknowledge awareness of Hamas’s involvement and the “severe” reputational risks, but continue to fund the program despite these concerns.
I suppose it depends on what Kind of Support we're talking about.
Rom 11:28
As concerning the gospel,
they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election,
they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.
Rom 11:29
For the gifts and calling of God
are without repentance.
Rom 11:30
For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:
Rom 11:31
Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.
Rom 11:32
For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.
I support the people not the country.
The country is being used as a political advantage for some while allowing them to be attacked at the same time.
And funding both ends of the candle.
Hugs
