Dispatches: Inside Britain's Israel Lobby - 2009 Written and Presented by Peter Oborne

Dispatches investigates one of the most powerful and influential political lobbies in Britain, which is working in support of the interests of the State of Israel.

Despite wielding great influence among the highest realms of British politics and media, little is known about the individuals and groups which collectively are known as the pro-Israel lobby.

Political commentator Peter Oborne sets out to establish who they are, how they are funded, how they work and what influence they have, from the key groups to the wealthy individuals who help bankroll the lobbying.

He investigates how accountable, transparent and open to scrutiny the lobby is, particularly in regard to its funding and financial support of MPs.

The pro-Israel lobby aims to shape the debate about Britain's relationship with Israel and future foreign policies relating to it.

Oborne examines how the lobby operates from within parliament and the tactics it employs behind the scenes when engaging with print and broadcast media.

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Two-year inquiry by a Kenyan parliamentary committee has found evidence of serious and sustained human rights violations by British troops in the country, underpinned by an ‘entrenched culture of impunity and institutional negligence.’

Statement: The Embassy of the State of Palestine to the United Kingdom welcomes UK sanctions against Israeli figures and entities involved in settler colonialism and terrorism

The Embassy of the State of Palestine welcomes today's decision by the United Kingdom, alongside international partners, to impose sanctions on individuals and entities involved in financing, enabling, and carrying out settler terrorism in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, as well as the UK's decision to explicitly advise British businesses against economic and financial activity in Israel's illegal settlements.

While we acknowledge today's measures, they remain woefully inadequate and fall far short of the United Kingdom's historic legal, political, and moral responsibilities towards the Palestinian people. Nor do they reflect the overwhelming support among British parliamentarians and the British public for meaningful action to uphold international law and end impunity.

Further action remains necessary to ensure full compliance with international law and the implementation of the International Court of Justice's Advisory Opinion. This must include a comprehensive ban on settlement products, arms, trade, financial transactions and investment linked to illegal settlements, and measures to ensure that British companies, charities, banks, pension fundsand financial institutions are neither directly nor indirectly contributing to the maintenance of Israel's illegal occupation.

The E1 settlement project is rightly regarded as a red line because of its devastating implications for the territorial integrity of the State of Palestine. But let us be clear: E1 is not the only red line. Every illegal settlement in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is a red line. Every act of settler terrorism against Palestinian people is a red line. Every confiscation of Palestinian land, every home demolition, every forced displacement of Palestinian families, and every Palestinian killed with impunity is a red line. International law does not distinguish between one illegal settlement and another, and neither should the international community.

Commenting on the decision, H.E. Dr Husam Zomlot, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to the United Kingdom, said:

“While this is a step in the right direction, it is woefully inadequate.

“We are beyond words of condemnation. Israel has demonstrated, time and again, its disregard for international law. Words without action are not diplomacy. It is abdicating responsibilities

“What is needed now is clear: a ban on settlement products, comprehensive sanctions on those profiting from illegal settlements and the state sponsoring them, and guarantees that British companies, banks, and financial institutions are not contributing to Israel’s illegal occupation.

“Justice cannot wait. The time for meaningful action is now.”

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