Petition · past parliament
Inquiry into Israel influencing British political democracy.
Closed
12,134 signatures
What the petition asks
Further to the revelation made by Al-Jazeera that a senior political officer at the UK’s Israeli Embassy talked of bringing down a UK Minister, other MPs, and influenced the setting up of groups within the Conservative and Labour Party, which are of serious concern.
These actions of an employee of a foreign Embassy demonstrate major external interference into British domestic politics, which is a serious national security issue.
It is therefore important that MPs openly debate the issue. We the undersigned urge the government to investigate this issue further, and prioritise this petition for a debate in parliament on receipt of the required signatories.
It is therefore important that MPs openly debate the issue. We the undersigned urge the government to investigate this issue further, and prioritise this petition for a debate in parliament on receipt of the required signatories.
Government response · 10 February 2017
The Israeli Ambassador apologised and is clear the comments do not reflect the view of the Embassy or Government of Israel. The UK has a strong relationship with Israel. We consider the matter closed.
The UK is a close friend of Israel and we enjoy an excellent bilateral relationship, built on decades of cooperation between our two countries across a range of fields such as education, hi-tech research, business, arts and culture.
We are continuing to deepen and advance our links with Israel in these areas. Both countries have much we can share with each other and benefit from our relationship.
It is clear that in this case, these remarks can only be attributed to one person. The Israeli Ambassador has apologised and explained that the comments made do not reflect the views of the Embassy or Government of Israel.
The Embassy has informed us that the official has resigned from his position at the Israeli Embassy and left the UK.
The UK therefore considers this matter closed.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
We are continuing to deepen and advance our links with Israel in these areas. Both countries have much we can share with each other and benefit from our relationship.
It is clear that in this case, these remarks can only be attributed to one person. The Israeli Ambassador has apologised and explained that the comments made do not reflect the views of the Embassy or Government of Israel.
The Embassy has informed us that the official has resigned from his position at the Israeli Embassy and left the UK.
The UK therefore considers this matter closed.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Timeline
| 19 Jan 2017 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 30 Jan 2017 | Passed 10,000 signatures, requiring a government response |
| 10 Feb 2017 | Government responded |
| 2 May 2017 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
12,134
Status
Closed
Opened
19 Jan 2017
Closed
2 May 2017
Response
10 Feb 2017
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.