Sir Alan Duncan has once again criticized the Conservative Friends of Israel (CFI) organization, urging for the expulsion of its senior figures, Lord Polak and Lord Pickles, from the House of
Lords for allegedly prioritizing the interests of another nation.
In an interview with LBC radio, the former Conservative MP accused CFI of acting on behalf of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Continuing his critique, Duncan referred to Lord Polak and Lord Pickles as a comedic duo, suggesting they should be ousted together from their positions. He also noted the removal of Robert Jenrick and Suella Braverman, which he deemed as a slight improvement.
Duncan, who previously claimed that CFI hindered his appointment as Middle East minister under Boris Johnson, persisted in his criticism of pro-Israel Tories during the LBC broadcast. He singled out former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, asserting her lack of opposition to Israeli settlements, alongside Michael Gove and Oliver Dowden.
Additionally, Duncan called for an investigation into Priti Patel's 2017 trip to Israel, raising questions about the funding for her undisclosed meetings with ministers.
He also questioned the suitability of Security Minister Tom Tugendhat, citing concerns about his stance on international law.
Duncan stepped down from his position as Minister of State for Europe and the Americas ahead of the 2019 General Election, following a series of controversial remarks regarding Israel, particularly regarding Jewish settlements in the West Bank.
In response, a CFI spokesperson emphasized the organization's non-partisan stance in Israeli politics and reiterated its support for the Conservative government's pursuit of a two-state solution and peace in the Middle East. Photo by DFID - UK Department for International Development, Wikimedia commons.