Blair government accuses IDF of Russian-like actions in West Bank

Newly released official files reveal how tensions between Tony Blair’s government and Israeli forces during a major military incursion into the West Bank mirrored concerns over current Israeli operations in Gaza.

Blair and Western allies were exasperated by the high Palestinian death toll during the 2002 siege of Yasser Arafat’s headquarters. The offensive, dubbed Operation Defensive Shield, led to clashes in Ramallah and Jenin.

Criticism of Israel’s tactics came to a head when the British ambassador accused IDF soldiers of behaving more like the Russian army, citing instances of severe misconduct. George Bush also expressed frustration over Israel’s actions, fearing they were hindering the war on terror.

Amidst these tensions, a British officer’s scathing critique of IDF operations highlighted a disconnect between their reputation and reality, calling them a “second-rate, ill-disciplined, swaggering and bullying force.”

Alongside these revelations, it was disclosed that Downing Street officials proposed a permanent prime ministerial battlebus for Blair’s travels, a departure from the temporary campaign buses used during elections.