In 2003, LFI described itself as “a Westminster based lobby group working within the British Labour Party to promote the State of Israel”.[5] It has been described as “less unquestioning in its support of the Israeli government than the Conservative Friends of Israel”.[6] Between 2001 and 2009, LFI sponsored more than 60 MPs to visit Israel, more than any other group.[6]

In early 2017, Al Jazeera released a four-part documentary entitled The Lobby, which investigated aspects of the Israel lobby in the United Kingdom, particularly relating to the Labour Party.[17] A member of Israeli embassy staff, Shai Masot, was recorded “plotting” to take down British MPs who favour recognition of a Palestinian state; links to the Labour Friends of Israel were put under the spotlight, including a reference to the availability of £1m from the Israeli government.[18][19]

In 2026, LFI was referred to the Electoral Commission over concerns about lack of transparency about funding sources[25]