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- "The Israel lobby in the United Kingdom" is a term sometimes used to describe individuals and groups which seek to influence the foreign policy of the United Kingdom in favour of bilateral ties with Israel, Zionism, Israel, or the policies of the Israeli government. Such individuals and groups may seek to influence politicians and political parties, the media, the general public or specific groups or sectors. Lobbying activities in relation to Israel, as with other issues, tend to be less formalised and on a smaller scale in the UK than such lobbying in the United States. The foreign policy of the United Kingdom is of much less importance to Israel than that of the United States, both because of the latter's much greater economic and military strength and because of the substantial and persistent military aid it supplies to Israel. However, Britain retains some ability to influence international affairs through its membership of the UN Security Council, its period of membership of the European Community and its historic role in the Middle East. Some have suggested that the concept of the "Israel lobby" may be inspired by, or give rise to, prejudice against Jews, by possible parallels to antisemitic canards such as world domination, controlling the media and dual loyalty. Others have ascribed what they see as an exaggerated focus on the subject as driven by hostility to Israel for various reasons, including as a new form of antisemitism. (en)
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