Lord David Cameron has arrived in Israel for talks with the country’s leaders following Iran’s attack over the weekend.
The Foreign Secretary is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior figures to discuss their response to the drone and missile barrage launched by Tehran on Saturday night.
The Government has called for restraint following the attack, with Rishi Sunak delivering that message to Mr Netanyahu in a phone call on Tuesday, saying this was “a moment for calm heads to prevail”.
Lord Cameron has also urged Tel Aviv to be “smart as well as tough” by not escalating the conflict with Iran, and has recently spoken with his counterparts in Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates as part of efforts to reduce tensions in the region.
Earlier today I spoke to Prime Minister @netanyahu and reiterated our support for Israel’s security following Iran’s reckless attack at the weekend.
Further significant escalation will only deepen instability in the region.
This is a moment for calm heads to prevail.
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) April 16, 2024
He is also expected to discuss the humanitarian situation in Gaza during his trip, and visit the West Bank.
The UK joined allies in defending Israel when Iran launched about 350 drones and missiles at Israel on Saturday, with British jets shooting down a number of drones.
The onslaught followed Israel’s targeting of an Iranian diplomatic compound in Syria earlier this month.
Israel’s government has said the attack “will be met with a response”, while world leaders have sought to dissuade Mr Netanyahu from retaliating.
