A senior British military official is set to meet with Israeli military leaders, sparking controversy given the ongoing allegations of war crimes and genocide in Gaza. Major General Zachary Stenning, a key figure in the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), is scheduled for briefings in Israel, despite growing concerns over Britain’s involvement in the ongoing conflict.
Stenning, the former commandant of Sandhurst Academy and now director of strategic command at the MoD, will be visiting Israel just weeks after General Oded Basyuk, Israel’s head of operations, was granted immunity from prosecution for a visit to London. Declassified UK, which uncovered the details, has highlighted that this marks the latest of multiple secretive trips made by senior British military personnel to Israel since October 2023.
Stenning, who previously led military strategy in the MoD and served in conflict zones such as Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Balkans, has faced significant scrutiny due to the nature of his impending visit. While the UK government has maintained that such visits are part of ongoing defence engagement, they have sparked strong condemnation from human rights groups.
Amnesty International has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, urging the British government to cease all military and security assistance to the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF). The MoD, however, appears undeterred, with reports suggesting it continues to foster bilateral military relations with Israel, despite the serious allegations.
John Deverell, a retired British brigadier who once headed defence diplomacy at the MoD, expressed concerns over the growing perception of complicity. He told Declassified UK, “At the least we are perceived as non-critical of the IDF. And at worst we may be seen as complicit in war crimes. So, notwithstanding the possible value of the relationship to the British side, perhaps in terms of technological know-how, we should cut off all links forthwith.”
The Ministry of Defence, in response, stated, “As part of the concerted UK effort to support security and stability in the Middle East and to achieve a peaceful resolution following ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon, we continue to conduct defence engagement in the region alongside partners and allies.”
The visit by Stenning raises important questions about Britain’s role and responsibilities in the Middle East as tensions remain high over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
