In an interview with Israel Hayom, former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson delivered sharp criticism toward the BBC and the British government, accusing both of showing anti-Israel bias. Johnson, who led the Conservative Party from 2019 to 2022, remains outspoken on global and domestic issues.
During a conference in Krakow titled Securing a Future Against Hate and Incitement, organized by the European Jewish Association (EJA) under Rabbi Menachem Margolin, Johnson received the King David Award. While many European leaders are avoiding pro-Israel events due to potential political consequences, Johnson said he feels no such hesitation.
"The UK's recognition of a Palestinian state is a gift to Hamas,"
Johnson declared, emphasizing his disagreement with the recent policy direction. He accused the government of altering its stance because of electoral pressure from Muslim voters.
Though not Jewish himself, Johnson noted his partial Jewish ancestry—his great-grandfather was Jewish—and expressed distress over the rise of antisemitism in London.
"When I was mayor, I didn't allow national politics to spill into the local arena, into our streets," he said. "It's tragic that Jews now have to worry about their safety. The police should be the ones ensuring that, not the Jewish community itself."
Boris Johnson condemned the UK’s political shift and media bias on Israel, warning that rising antisemitism reflects dangerous divisions within British society.