Johnson: The UK will not recognize unilateral Israeli annexation

Describing himself as a “passionate defender of Israel” (he once served on a kibbutz), UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned that by applying sovereignty over parts of Judea and Samaria, Israel “would put in jeopardy the progress” it has made in building relations with a number of Arab states, while empowering Israel’s enemies. In an op-ed published in the Hebrew daily Yediot Aharot on July 1, Johnson wrote, “I want to see an outcome that delivers justice for both Israelis and Palestinians.”  Decrying “annexation” as a “violation of international law,” he stressed: “I profoundly hope that annexation does not go ahead. If it does, the UK will not recognize any changes to the 1967 lines, except those agreed between both parties.”