Politics
Rishi Sunak tells Benjamin Netanyahu now is ‘moment for calm heads’ in wake of Iran attack
Rishi Sunak has told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that it is “a moment for calm heads to prevail” in the wake of Iran’s attack over the weekend.
According to a readout of a phone call between the pair released by Downing Street, Mr Sunak also told Mr Netanyahu that “significant escalation was in no one’s interest and would only deepen insecurity in the Middle East“.
The UK’s prime minister went on to call on Mr Netanyahu and Israel to allow more aid to flow into Gaza.
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A Downing Street spokesperson said: “The prime minister spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this afternoon.
“He reiterated the UK’s steadfast support for Israel’s security and for wider regional stability. Prime Minister Netanyahu thanked the UK for its rapid and robust support in the face of Iran’s reckless and dangerous attack on Saturday.”
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Downing Street added: “The prime minister said Iran had badly miscalculated and was increasingly isolated on the global stage, with the G7 coordinating a diplomatic response. He stressed that significant escalation was in no one’s interest and would only deepen insecurity in the Middle East. This was a moment for calm heads to prevail.
“On Gaza, the prime minister said he remained gravely concerned about the deepening humanitarian crisis. The UK wanted to see a massive step change in aid access to flood Gaza with vital supplies, including Israel opening up new aid routes as quickly as possible.
“The prime minister said it was deeply disappointing that Hamas blocked a deal at the weekend that would have saved Palestinian lives and secured the safe release of hostages.”
Mr Sunak later posted on X confirming he had spoken to Mr Netanyahu.
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It comes as UK Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron makes his way to Israel.
Mr Sunak said on Monday that he was hoping to speak to Mr Netanyahu, but the call did not take place until Tuesday.
Responding to questions about the delay, Downing Street denied the UK was being “taken for granted” by Israel and suggested Mr Netanyahu’s other commitments meant a call had not been possible.
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The discussion followed Iran’s direct attack on Israel over the weekend, with more than 300 drones and missiles being launched by Tehran.
The UK and the RAF helped Israel intercept most of the incoming projectiles.
Mr Sunak told the House of Commons yesterday that he and G7 leaders were discussing new diplomatic action to take against Iran.
He has not proscribed Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), despite pleas from his backbenchers.
The UK’s calls for Israel to allow more aid into Gaza comes after Lord Cameron accused Israel of delaying assistance getting in.