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Good morning John

Over the last few days, there has been a lot of noise - some of it ridiculous, some of it malicious - about the visit to Israel by DUP representatives, joined by colleagues from other unionist parties; and while none of it surprised us, it does once again expose the double standards of those who are very selective in what they choose to be outraged about.

This was a visit rooted in engagement, in listening, and in learning; yet some have tried to twist it into something sinister, as if speaking with Israel or seeing life there for yourself is somehow a moral failing. The hypocrisy is astonishing. The same people who call for dialogue and understanding in every other conflict seem to want only one side of this story to be told when it comes to Israel.

Let’s remind ourselves why this matters. On October 7th, the world witnessed barbarity on a scale that defies comprehension. Hamas terrorists slaughtered families, burned children alive, raped women and dragged hostages into tunnels; and since that day, Israel has faced not just rocket fire but an avalanche of criticism from those who appear to have forgotten who started this war in the first place.

Hamas - whose apologists include the new President elect of the Republic of Ireland, shamefully - brought this horror upon the people of Palestine. They have turned neighbourhoods into battlegrounds, hospitals into terrorist hubs, schools into weapons stores, and civilians into shields. If there is ever to be peace, Hamas must be defeated and removed from power; there is no path to peace with Hamas still in control.

It is right, therefore, that the people of Israel can tell their story - the story of living each day under threat, yet still hoping for peace; and it is deeply telling that there are voices here in Northern Ireland who do not even want that story to be heard. It is ironic that they are often the same voices that want to rewrite our own history and silence the victims of terrorism here at home.

And then we have the furore over Paul Givan visiting a school - yes, a school - as Education Minister. He has travelled to the United States and to Scandinavia to learn from best practice abroad, but the moment he visits Israel suddenly it becomes unacceptable. That reeks of prejudice; let’s call it what it is - antisemitism.

The DUP makes no apology for standing with Israel. We will continue to be that critical friend, willing to speak truth even when it’s unpopular, because supporting democracy, condemning terrorism, and rejecting antisemitism should never be controversial.

With thanks for your continued support,

Rt. Hon. Gavin Robinson MP

DUP Leader

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