Rishi Sunak tells Benjamin Netanyahu now could be ‘second for calm heads’ in wake of Iran assault

Apr 16, 2024 at 8:01 PM

Rishi Sunak has instructed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that it’s “a moment for calm heads to prevail” within the wake of Iran’s assault over the weekend.

According to a readout of a telephone name between the pair launched by Downing Street, Mr Sunak additionally instructed Mr Netanyahu that “vital escalation was in nobody’s curiosity and would solely deepen insecurity in the Middle East“.

He went on to name on Mr Netanyahu and Israel to permit extra support to circulation into Gaza.

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A Downing Street spokesperson stated: “The prime minister spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this afternoon.

“He reiterated the UK’s steadfast assist for Israel’s safety and for wider regional stability. Prime Minister Netanyahu thanked the UK for its speedy and strong assist within the face of Iran’s reckless and harmful assault on Saturday.

“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 stated he remained gravely involved concerning the deepening humanitarian disaster. The UK needed to see an enormous step change in support entry to flood Gaza with very important provides, together with Israel opening up new support routes as rapidly as doable.

“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 method to Israel.

Mr Sunak stated on Monday that he hoped to talk to Mr Netanyahu, however the name didn’t happen till Tuesday.

Responding to questions concerning the delay, Downing Street denied the UK was being “taken for granted” by Israel and advised Mr Netanyahu’s different commitments meant a name had not been doable.

The dialogue adopted Iran’s direct assault on Israel over the weekend, with greater than 300 drones and missiles being launched by Tehran.

The UK and the RAF helped Israel intercept most of the incoming projectiles.

Mr Sunak instructed the House of Commons yesterday that he and G7 leaders have been discussing new diplomatic motion to take in opposition to Iran.

He has not proscribed Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), regardless of pleas from his backbenchers.

The UK’s requires Israel to permit extra support into Gaza comes after Lord Cameron accused Israel of delaying assistance getting in.