Israel’s existence is an ongoing struggle for survival — a struggle not only against external enemies such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and other forces bent on its destruction, but also against a sustained international campaign that seeks to undermine its very right to exist. This battle comes not only from missiles fired across its borders but also from a relentless wave of delegitimisation that challenges its sovereignty, defends the indefensible, and casts doubt on its right to protect itself.

In recent weeks, Israel’s decision to deny entry to two British Labour Members of Parliament who have ardently advocated for anti-Israel boycotts and sanctions has brought to light the double standards to which the nation is held. As Israel defends itself from physical, ideological, and political subversion, it is painted as an exception to the universal rule of self-defence, perpetuating a narrative that Israel is subject to scrutiny in ways no other democratic state is.

This decision to bar Yuan Yang MP and Abitsam Mohamed MP, however, is not a repressive action, nor is it a sign of an authoritarian state clamping down on free speech. It is an assertion of Israel’s sovereignty — a necessary act of self-preservation in the face of threats to its security.

Just as any other nation would take similar steps to prevent individuals seeking to harm its citizens from entering, Israel has the right to ensure its survival by protecting its borders from those who seek to dismantle it. This is not an isolated instance but a reflection of Israel’s ongoing need to safeguard its future.

This notion of sovereign protection is not exclusive to Israel; it is a right that every nation possesses.

Under British law, for example, the Immigration Act 1971 and the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 provide the legal basis for the UK to refuse entry to individuals on national security grounds.

Specifically, Section 3(1) of the Immigration Act 1971 and Section 9 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 allow the UK government to bar entry to individuals whose presence is deemed a threat to national security or public safety.

This principle has been applied in numerous instances.

If such actions are deemed appropriate for the United Kingdom in protecting its citizens from potential terrorist threats, why should Israel be judged any differently when it takes similar measures, even if not related to terrorism?

Why is Israel forced to constantly justify its actions when, in reality, every nation has the right to defend its sovereignty? The hypocrisy is glaring.

Israel is a democratic state — its legitimacy is built upon the same principles of self-determination, sovereignty, and security that form the foundation of other nations.

And yet, it is consistently held to a different standard, subjected to intense scrutiny and criticism for doing what any other nation would do in its position: protecting its citizens from those who seek to harm them, both physically and ideologically.

Critics may argue that Israel should engage with the MPs in question, engage in dialogue, and attempt to persuade them of Israel’s position. But Israel cannot afford to entertain those who actively seek to undermine its legitimacy and deny its right to exist.

These individuals are not interested in constructive debate; they are interested in spreading a narrative that delegitimises Israel, emboldens its enemies, and weakens its position on the global stage.

Israel, like any other state, has the right to protect itself from political subversion and to defend its reputation against those who wish to destroy it from within.

The international community must recognise that Israel is not an isolated case — it is a nation under constant attack, not just from military forces but from an ideological war that seeks to dismantle its very foundations.

Israel’s sovereignty, security, and right to defend itself should be acknowledged and respected as fundamental rights, not subject to double standards and arbitrary expectations.

Just as the UK and the United States exercise their sovereign right to deny entry to individuals who pose a threat to national security, Israel too must be allowed to protect its citizens from those who seek to do harm.

The time has come for the international community to end the double standards.

Israel must not be forced to defend its right to exist and to protect its citizens when other nations are not held to the same scrutiny. Israel, like any other sovereign state, has the right to self-defence.

Its sovereignty, security, and legitimacy are non-negotiable. The decision to deny entry to these MPs is not an act of repression but an act of self-preservation, a necessary step to ensure the safety of Israel and its citizens.

It is time for the world to stop applying different standards to Israel and to recognise its right to defend itself as an essential part of its survival. Israel is here to stay, and it will not apologise for its existence.

The world must learn to accept this reality and treat Israel with the same respect, dignity, and recognition of its fundamental right to defend itself that it accords to other sovereign nations.

Israel’s survival is not negotiable, and its right to defend itself is absolute. The international community must recognise that truth.