The UK's independent reviewer of terrorism legislation has issued a stark warning, stating that the demonisation of Israelis is being used as a 'vehicle for hatred of Jews' and that police must act against racial hatred based on nationality.
Jonathan Hall KC called for police forces to be held accountable for failing to protect Israeli citizens and Jews within communities. He argued that allowing hatred against Israelis creates dangerous 'wriggle room' for antisemitism.
Legal Framework and National Security Risks
In a speech at a Policy Exchange event in London, Hall emphasised that targeting a nationality like Israelis constitutes a breach of the Public Order Act 1986. He read from Section 17, which defines racial hatred as hatred against a group defined by, among other things, nationality.
Hall stated there is a 'palpable' national security risk when police prioritise public order over applying the law. He cited pro-Palestinian protests where chants like 'death to the IDF' or 'globalise the intifada' have gone unchallenged.
'My perception is that if you don't deal with anti-Israeli hatred, you leave wriggle room for those who indulge in antisemitism but formally disavow it,' Hall said. 'Once hatred to Israelis is tolerated then it is carried around like a flame.'
Criticism and Counter-Arguments
The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians strongly disputed Hall's argument. Its head of public affairs, Jonathan Purcell, condemned what he called a 'deeply problematic' conflation of antisemitism and anti-Zionism.
Purcell stated this line of argument erases anti-Zionist Jewish people at pro-Palestine marches. He suggested Hall should instead focus on 'genocidal comments of Israeli officials' and the UK government's relationship with Israel.
Hall, who has supported listing Palestine Action as a proscribed terrorist group, noted that for some, any signs of Israeli life are seen as 'illegitimate'. He referenced protests against Israeli-owned restaurants in London, Australia, and the US.
Police Accountability and Specific Incidents
When asked who should be responsible for protecting Israelis, Hall was clear: 'Ultimately, police have got to be responsible for the safety of their citizens. And I include expressly within that Israeli citizens as well as Jews living among them.'
He highlighted a specific case involving West Midlands Police. Hall questioned why the force, which had intelligence suggesting 'local Islamists' were preparing to attack fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv in November, failed to enforce the law. 'They were hostile because of nationality,' he asserted.
An independent report into West Midlands Police's decision to bar Maccabi fans from a match against Aston Villa for safety reasons is expected this week. Chief Constable Craig Guildford has defended the force's actions, stating there was 'no conspiracy'.
Meanwhile, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley has defended his force's handling of a recent demonstration outside the Israeli-owned Miznon restaurant in Notting Hill. He told LBC he takes the issue of how Jews in London feel 'very, very seriously'.
Hall concluded with a powerful statement on societal values: 'We have lost our collective senses if, as a society, we permit the demonising of holders of any nationality who live in our tolerant and open society.'
