Recently leaked documents reveal that the United Kingdom has been involved in supporting the Israeli occupation forces in psychological warfare operations, according to Declassified U.K. Additional leaks further highlight Britain’s role in assisting the Israeli military to enhance its capacity to counter Iran and Hezbollah, as well as conducting spy flights over Gaza.
U.K. Complicit in Israel's Psychological Warfare on Gaza
In an exclusive report, Declassified U.K. unveiled that the United Kingdom has supported the Israeli occupation forces in psychological warfare efforts.
The leaked documents detailing these encounters originated from a hack of the Israeli Occupying Forces (IOF) carried out by a group known as “Anonymous for Justice.” The dataset was later published by “Distributed Denial of Secrets.”
The British Army's 77th Brigade, known for its expertise in psychological warfare, engaged in discussions on "strategy and tactics" with the Israeli military, according to the report.
The 77th Brigade's activities include cyberattacks, propaganda, and various online operations, particularly on social media. Meanwhile, the Israeli military has heavily relied on spreading disinformation, fabricating narratives, and stirring tensions in its ongoing aggression against Gaza and Lebanon.
These operations are often conducted through social media platforms, official statements, military announcements, and the Israeli military’s spokesman. The 77th Brigade and the Israeli military reportedly held at least two exchanges at the Brigade’s headquarters in Hermitage Barracks, Berkshire.
These meetings took place between 2018 and 2019, before the ongoing war on Gaza that started on October 7.
Leaked Documents of Significant Content
These documents hold particular significance as British authorities have refused to respond to freedom of information requests or parliamentary inquiries regarding the Ministry of Defense’s support to Israel. This comes amid calls for the prosecution of Israeli officials for war crimes and the regime’s prosecution in the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The breaches of international law by Israeli officials could potentially implicate their supporters, including the U.K.
Professor Paul Rogers, an honorary fellow of the Joint Services Command and Staff College, emphasized the importance of the leaks, stating: “This is a highly significant revelation that shows the extent of high level links between Israeli and British counter-insurgency and psychological warfare operators – and, as ever, the need for greater transparency from the military right across the board,” as reported by Declassified U.K.
The British Ministry of Defense spokesperson stated that British forces "conduct non-operational defence engagements at staff level with partners across the globe." However, the ministry declined to confirm whether psychological warfare operations with the Israeli military are still ongoing.
High-Level Information Exchange Between the IOF and the British Army
In 2018, Israeli officer Benzi Zimmerman initiated a high-level information exchange between the Israeli occupation's J3 operations directorate and the British Army. The goal was to "familiarise Israeli occupation forces' J3 information operations (IO) team with the management, planning, and conduct of IO operations from the strategic to tactical level," according to the report.
A British Army major helped organize a two-day program for the Israeli team, held at both the Ministry of Defense headquarters in Whitehall and Hermitage Barracks. Although the initial visit to the 77th Brigade in November 2018 was unexpectedly canceled, plans for collaboration continued.
By June 2019, the visit was rescheduled and took place on 10-11 July 2019, focusing on IOF operations management at both strategic and tactical levels.
After the visit, the 77th Brigade commander Daniel Reeve requested a follow-up visit to Israel by one of his lieutenants. This visit, planned for 28 March to 4 April 2020, aimed to focus on "Capacity Development: Information Operations" at the "Secret" classification level. However, it was likely canceled due to COVID-19 travel restrictions at the time.
Declassified U.K.: British Military Plan to Enhance ‘Israel's Capacity’ Against Iran and Hezbollah
On October 9, Declassified U.K. revealed that the British military devised a secret project, codenamed HEZU.K., aimed at enhancing Israel’s ability to counter Iran and Hezbollah.
Leaked documents show that this plan, initiated between 2019 and 2020, sought to boost intelligence collaboration and military cooperation between the U.K. and Israel. Joint efforts reportedly considered advanced technologies such as hypersonic missiles and autonomous warfare systems.
The project, which unfolded as Israel was violently suppressing protests during Gaza's Great March of Return, has raised ethical questions due to the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.
Leaked files indicate HEZUK involved information-sharing, defense capabilities development, and cooperation with Israel’s security apparatus.
The U.K. Ministry of Defence has refused to clarify whether HEZUK is still active. However, it remains relevant amid increasing public interest, particularly as Israel faces international investigation for war crimes and as tensions with Iran escalate.
U.K. Sends Spy Flights Over Gaza to Support Israeli Intelligence
On October 3, Declassified U.K. highlighted multiple domains in the U.K. aid Israeli military actions, both in Gaza and Yemen. Under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the government's support for Israel remains strong, mirroring the previous Conservative administration.
Since Starmer took office on July 5, his government has reportedly ordered 100 spy flights over Gaza to assist Israeli intelligence, averaging more than one flight per day.
The spy flights continue, with 42 recorded in August alone, launching from the U.K.’s Akrotiri airbase in Cyprus.
In Yemen, Israel has conducted two airstrikes on the port city of Hodeidah this year, resulting in up to 155 casualties and over $20 million in damage to critical infrastructure. U.K. manufacturers are involved in producing Israel’s F-35 fighter jets, which were used in these attacks.
Nevertheless, the U.K. government has not halted the export of F-35 components to the Israeli Air Force, despite expressed concerns regarding the use of these weapons in conflict.
On May 8, 2024, Declassified U.K. reported that the Royal Air Force (RAF) has conducted 200 surveillance flights over Gaza since December 3, 2023, in support of Israel.
Despite the U.K.'s refusal to disclose details about these operations, Declassified independently compiled a timeline revealing that the flights have occurred at a rate of more than one per day. March recorded the highest activity, with 44 missions.
One significant incident occurred on April 1, when a British spy plane was flying during an Israeli strike that killed three British aid workers, alongside four others from World Central Kitchen.
U.K. Suspends Some Arms Sales to Israel
On September 3, the U.K. announced it would suspend certain arms sales to Israel, citing a "clear risk" that the equipment could be used to commit serious violations of international law.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that the U.K. would halt 30 out of 350 arms export licenses to Israel, which includes parts for fighter jets, helicopters, and drones. Lammy emphasized that the U.K. continues to support Israel's right to self-defense, clarifying that this action does not constitute an arms embargo.
An Israeli minister expressed disappointment with the decision, claiming it sent the "wrong message," while Amnesty International U.K. criticized the suspension as "too limited."
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