Johnson and Cameron’s longstanding rivalry resurfaces in a heated argument over U.K.’s arms export policies to Israel

Boris Johnson, the former British Prime Minister, has reignited his long-standing feud with David Cameron, criticizing the latter’s stance on the U.K.’s arms sales to Israel. In his weekly column for the Daily Mail, Johnson accused Cameron, the current British Foreign Secretary, of failing to dismiss proposals that would end British arms exports to Israel, suggesting such a move would indirectly support Hamas. This accusation comes amid intense discussions within the U.K. government regarding the legality and morality of continuing arms sales to Israel following an Israeli strike that resulted in the death of World Central Kitchen aid workers.

The debate has reportedly caused divisions within the Cabinet, as government lawyers examine whether Israel’s actions in Gaza contravene international law. Johnson, leveraging this issue, argued that curtailing military support to Israel would equate to endorsing Hamas’s military victory over Israel. His comments not only spotlight the contentious issue of arms sales but also rejuvenate the rivalry with Cameron, tracing back to their days at Eton and the Brexit campaign, which saw them on opposing sides.

This rivalry, which significantly impacted their political careers, resurfaces as Cameron has maintained a low profile on the arms export debate. Johnson’s critique highlights the complex dynamics of U.K. foreign policy and the personal vendettas that often influence political discourse. 

The ongoing debate on arms sales to Israel, amidst accusations of breaching international law, represents a crucial moment for British foreign policy, challenging the government’s stance on international conflicts and humanitarian law.