Grant Shapps, the UK’s defense secretary, emphasizes that creating two separate states is the only solution to end the Israel-Palestine conflict. Shapps expresses disappointment over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s rejection of this idea, noting that Palestinians deserve a sovereign state, and he sees no alternative solution.
Following a call with US President Joe Biden, Netanyahu reiterates his policy that after dealing with Hamas, Israel must retain security control over Gaza, conflicting with the demand for Palestinian sovereignty. Shapps finds these comments very disappointing, acknowledging Netanyahu’s historical opposition to a two-state solution.
Labour also criticizes Netanyahu’s stance as completely unacceptable, emphasizing the right of the Palestinian people to statehood. The public divide between Netanyahu and the US deepens, with Biden maintaining that a two-state solution remains possible.
The conflict, triggered by Hamas’ attack in October, has resulted in over 25,000 reported deaths in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Scotland’s First Minister Humza Yousaf calls for an immediate ceasefire, noting the perceived devaluation of Palestinian lives.
Shapps, in an interview, emphasizes the need for the UK to be prepared for a more dangerous world. He warns of growing risks posed by countries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, along with terrorist groups. When asked about reaching the defense spending target of 2.5% of GDP, Shapps states that the trajectory is already upwards, comfortably above 2%, and the target will be met when economic conditions allow.
Former head of the British Army Gen Lord Dannatt warned about the shrinking size of the Army and called for spending 3% of GDP on defense to avoid a repeat of historical failures. Shapps responds that the capability and lethality of defense systems matter more than the number of personnel alone.