In any multi-racial democracy, foreign disputes can quickly become domestic political problems. Sir Keir Starmer, like Rishi Sunak, has been firm on his support for Israel and its right to defend itself following Hamas’s terrorist attack which left 1,400 people dead and saw more than 200 taken hostage. But as Israel’s military operation goes on, the Labour leader is facing increasing opposition from within his own party.
The demand for an immediate ceasefire is superficially understandable, but mistaken. Acknowledging Israel’s right to self-defence counts for little if you then demand it stops pursuing its legitimate objectives, which are to destroy or degrade Hamas’s military capabilities.
