The toughest job in Israeli diplomacy awaits in London – opinion

The article argues that the role of Israeli Ambassador to the UK is currently the most challenging job in Israeli diplomacy, even more so than the Prime Minister. This is due to a significant rise in antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment in the UK, particularly since October 7. The position has been vacant for nearly a year, with the last nominee, Tzachi Braverman, facing legal issues that have indefinitely postponed his appointment. Christian Cantor has recently arrived as chargé d'affaires to fill the void. He faces the daunting tasks of engaging with a new Labour government, led by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, which has expressed critical views on Israel's actions in Gaza, combating a surge in antisemitic incidents, and addressing what the article describes as a biased British media.

• The Community Security Trust recorded 3,700 antisemitic incidents in Britain in 2025, more than double the 2022 figure, with 1,766 explicitly anti-Zionist.
• Polling in February 2026 indicated that 96% of British Jews felt less safe since October 7, and 61% had considered leaving Britain due to antisemitism.
• London Mayor Sadiq Khan stated that Britain would enforce an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against Netanyahu, saying, “People who commit genocide are not welcome in London.”
• The article criticizes British media outlets like The Sunday Times and The Guardian for perceived anti-Israel bias in their reporting.