Netanyahu aims for ‘peace’ with Starmer as pro-Gaza candidates beat Labour

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated Sir Keir Starmer on his election victory and said he hopes they can work towards “security and peace” after Labour were defeated in several seats by pro-Palestine candidates.

Mr Netanyahu posted on Friday to X: “On behalf of the State of Israel, I extend my warm congratulations to (Sir Keir) Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

“I am confident that we will continue working together to strengthen the historic friendship between the UK and Israel and to advance the twin goals of security and peace.”

He also thanked Rishi Sunak for “his friendship and support over the years”.

Israeli president Isaac Herzog said he looked forward to working with Sir Keir to bring home hostages taken by Hamas, while also expressing his “deepest appreciation and gratitude” to outgoing prime minister Mr Sunak.

“I send my warmest congratulations to (Sir Keir),” Mr Herzog posted to X.

“As he prepares to enter Downing Street as Prime Minister, I look forward to working together with him and his new government to bring our hostages home, to build a better future for the region, and to deepen the close friendship between Israel and the United Kingdom.”

Mr Herzog also thanked Mr Sunak “for his leadership and for standing with the Israeli people especially during this most difficult period”.

In its manifesto, the Labour Party committed to recognising a Palestinian state.

However Sir Keir’s position on the Gaza conflict has previously caused unease among some in his party, with the leader facing criticism for not calling for an immediate ceasefire sooner.

Several Labour candidates meanwhile lost to independent challengers campaigning on a pro-Palestine platform.

In Blackburn, Labour’s Kate Hollern lost to Adnan Hussain, who said in his online statement to voters: “I promise to make your concerns against the injustice being inflicted against the people of Gaza be heard in the places where our so-called representatives failed.”

In Dewsbury and Batley, independent candidate Iqbal Mohamed, whose key focus areas include a ceasefire and peace agreement in Gaza, beat the Labour candidate Heather Iqbal.

Meanwhile, Labour frontbencher Jonathan Ashworth was unseated by candidate Shockat Adam in Leicester South.

Other world leaders congratulated Sir Keir including Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky who described the UK as “reliable allies through thick and thin” as he wished the incoming government “every success”.

Writing on X, Mr Zelensky said: “Ukraine and the United Kingdom have been and will continue to be reliable allies through thick and thin.

“We will continue to defend and advance our common values of life, freedom, and a rules-based international order.

“I wish the incoming government every success both in domestic affairs and in solidifying the UK’s leadership on the world stage.

“I look forward to working closely together on strengthening the Ukraine-UK partnership and restoring international peace and security.”

He added his thanks to his “good friend” Mr Sunak, as he praised the UK Government’s “steadfast support” under his leadership.

Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau was among the first to share a message describing Sir Keir as “my friend”, adding that he hopes to build a “progressive, fair future” with the UK.

“Congratulations, (Sir Keir), on a historic U.K. election victory,” Mr Trudeau posted to X.

“Lots of work ahead to build a more progressive, fair future for people on both sides of the Atlantic. Let’s get to it, my friend.”