Facts

James Cleverly, when speaking in the House of Commons said “one of the advantages of the strong bilateral relationship that we have with Israel is that we are able to speak regularly about such sensitive issues. Israel knows the UK’s long-standing position on settlements, evictions and demolitions, which is clear: they are illegal under international law and they limit the chances of success of a two-state solution. We raise that directly with Israel, and Israel listens when we do.”

James Cleverly is right to the extent that British ambassadors do raise concerns about Israeli conduct. It’s also the case that Israeli officials do listen politely. But very little of substance has happened as a result of these discussions, and no consequences flow when Israel ignores British advice. When concessions are obtained (such as the reprieve for the West Bank Village of Khan al Akmar) they tend to come in the face of collective international pressure.

Verdict

James Cleverly is not exactly lying, but his self-aggrandising remarks are devoid of context, vacuous and advertise his own moral cowardice and Britain’s weakness. 

We emailed James Cleverly’s parliamentary office and the FCDO offering him the chance to respond. The email was received by both, but no reply.