British Pastor Regan King: UK sanctions on Israel could fuel antisemitism, strain security cooperation – interview

London pastor Regan King discusses Great Britain’s increasingly confrontational approach toward Israel and warns that its policies could harm not only the Jewish state, but also Palestinians, British Jews and the UK's own national interests.

In an interview with Christian journalist Paul Calvert, King addresses the British government’s sanctions relating to Israeli settlements and the controversy surrounding the E1 development area between Jerusalem and Ma’ale Adumim. He questions whether the measures will achieve their stated objectives, particularly when Palestinians themselves work in businesses affected by the restrictions.

“Well, this is the precise issue for those who claim to care about Palestinians and who claim to care about their well-being and who claim to care about peace; this does nothing to accomplish that. In fact, it may very well be incredibly counterproductive, because what it’s doing is it’s building more and more animosity, particularly within some of the more extreme fringe groups within the Knesset,” he said.

King also warns that growing political hostility toward Israel could contribute to rising antisemitism in Britain, saying that many British Jews increasingly feel they must hide their identity to protect themselves and their families.

“So yes, I do believe that this is going to embolden. I do believe it’s going to give people a sense of legitimacy to their hatred. And we’re already seeing, you know, even that sort of hiding almost. There are many people who feel like they have to hide who they are as Jews in order to protect themselves and their families, which is a tragedy.”

The conversation goes on to examine the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, previous land-for-peace proposals, the legacy of Israel’s withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and competing claims over Judea and Samaria (West Bank). King also warns that Britain risks damaging an important intelligence and security relationship with Israel.

For Christians, however, King believes the response must involve more than political analysis. He places current events within the wider biblical story and urges followers of Jesus to remain spiritually alert and respond with love rather than hatred.

“We need a message to those who follow our Lord Jesus, who follow Yeshua, is to watch and pray, to be aware, to be awake, to what is going on, to continue to be the light in the darkness. You know, hate will not drive out hate.”

King says Christians should remember the Lord’s call to “love our enemy,” do good to those who hate them and bless those who mistreat them. At the same time, he says Christians should recognize the Israeli government’s right, “as given by God,” to avenge its people and take necessary action against threats to its population. “Its government does not wield the sword in vain,” he added.

King says many nations are now going beyond skepticism or criticism of Israel, expressing what he describes as “open hatred against the Jewish state.” He argues that irrational attitudes that are not rooted in fact or a full understanding of the situation are increasingly on display. For Christians, he says, the responsibility is to continue praying and “to continue to live out the light that is our Savior.”

Ultimately, King returns to God's covenant purposes for Israel and the Jewish people, emphasizing that God's promises do not change.

"The calling and covenants of God are irrevocable. And throughout we see that God has given a promise to a particular people involving a particular place. And because he is good and he is great, and he is gracious and he is glorious, he keeps his promises. He keeps his promises. They will not change. He continues to work. He continues to fulfill his plan.”

Click below to listen to Paul Calvert's full interview with Pastor Regan King.