The Times reported on Israel's possible refusal to cooperate with the UK.

Israel may stop sharing intelligence with the UK if British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announces recognition of Palestine as a sovereign and independent state. This was reported on August 7 by The Times newspaper, citing sources.

"Israel is considering the possibility of refusing to cooperate with the UK in the field of defense and security if Keir Starmer agrees to recognize Palestine," the publication said.

It is noted that the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has information that could undermine the national security of the British.

"London needs to be careful because Bibi [Netanyahu] and his ministers have cards they could also play. Israel values its partnership with the UK, but recent decisions mean that it is under pressure, and the UK has a lot to lose if the Israeli government decides to take retaliatory steps," The Times stressed.

The newspaper said that Britain and Israel have been cooperating in the field of intelligence sharing for decades, since the creation of the State of Israel.

According to the newspaper, despite Netanyahu's threats, Israel will not rush to implement plans to end cooperation with the UK in the field of defense, given the economic consequences and the scale of mutual intelligence sharing.

"We are betting on increasing the number of countries recognizing Palestine"

Diplomat Salah Abdel Shafi — on the prospect of his country's full-fledged membership in the UN and international protection of the Gaza Strip

Earlier, on July 29, Starmer said that Britain would recognize the statehood of Palestine in September on the eve of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). He stressed that recognition of Palestine will happen if the Israeli government "does not reach a cease-fire" and "does not commit to a long-term peace process."

On July 24, French leader Emmanuel Macron announced his intention to recognize the State of Palestine. He noted that this will contribute to ending the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in the Gaza Strip, as well as rescue and comprehensive assistance to local residents. Shortly after, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the decision, considering it an encouragement of terror.

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