Ministers Unaware of Trade Envoy's Israel Visit Amid Suspended Talks
Internal documents reveal that the Foreign Office advised David Lammy to approve a trade mission to Israel shortly after he halted trade negotiations and criticized the country's government.
Officials sought ministerial guidance regarding Ian Austin’s visit to Israel in late May—an unusual step—but bureaucratic issues allowed the trade envoy’s trip to proceed without formal ministerial or advisory backing.
The Foreign Office initially stated that Austin would not engage with Israeli government representatives. However, photos show him meeting senior trade officials on two occasions. He also attended a reception at the British embassy where Education Minister Yoav Kisch spoke.
Emails indicate that Foreign Office staff urged ministers to support the trip despite Lammy, then foreign secretary, having paused free trade agreement discussions on 20 May. A submission prepared for Lammy argued that canceling the visit would send a negative signal, given concerns within Israel’s business community.
“The visit would allow Austin to clarify to Israeli civil society and businesses that the existing trade relationship remains unchanged,” read the document. It concluded with a request for approval, but sources say Lammy and his team neither saw the submission nor endorsed the trip, leaving them displeased with the situation.
One of Austin’s meetings involved Rafael, an Israeli defense firm that acquired UK-based Pearson Engineering in 2022. Rafael produces missile systems, including those suspected in IDF strikes on civilian targets in late 2023 and April 2024, which resulted in the deaths of aid workers, including three British citizens.
On 28 May, Austin discussed UK-Israel relations and trade opportunities with a Rafael executive, according to a briefing document released under an information request. While specifics of the conversation were redacted, the document suggested prepared responses on export licenses and trade talks—topics officials anticipated would arise.
The British embassy shared some details of Austin’s visit publicly at the time, drawing criticism for perceived inconsistency in foreign policy following Lammy’s earlier condemnation of Israel’s government.
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