Overview

• Former foreign secretary James Cleverly called the invite a “foolish move” at the Conservative Party conference, arguing Robinson is no friend of the Jewish community.
• Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli issued the invitation and praised Robinson as a true friend of Israel and the Jewish people.
• The Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council condemned the decision, and No 10 said Robinson does not speak for them or the country’s majority.
• Robinson said he plans to travel after his Oct. 13 trial and listed visits to Jerusalem, the Knesset, Yad Vashem and the Jabotinsky Institute, adding that he hopes to enter Gaza.
• Chikli doubled down by dismissing criticism linked to Prime Minister Keir Starmer and said he is proud to host Robinson, as Cleverly noted others in Israel’s government are uncomfortable.