Israeli military acted ‘like Russian army’ in West Bank, UK cautioned

Twenty years ago, Britain warned the Israeli government that the Israeli army’s behavior in the West Bank was reminiscent of the Russian army rather than that of a civilized country, according to newly released official files.

Ambassador Sherard Cowper-Coles reported back after a meeting with then-Israel Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s foreign policy adviser, expressing concerns about individual soldiers committing acts that outraged international opinion.

The meeting notes, part of documents released by the National Archives, highlight British and American frustration during a major military incursion into the West Bank in 2002, known as Operation Defensive Shield.

This operation, launched amidst the Second Intifada, saw Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat’s compound besieged and partially demolished, intense street fighting in the Jenin refugee camp, and artillery attacks on southern Lebanon.

The files also reveal US President George W Bush’s concerns about Sharon’s policies potentially turning Arafat into a martyr similar to Osama bin Laden, undermining the war on terrorism.

In total, nearly 500 Palestinians were killed and 1,447 wounded during the month-long operation, with reports of human rights violations and mass arrests.

Despite calls for de-escalation, the conflict continues to impact Palestinian prisoners, with ongoing reports of abuse and violations.