BICOM

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday met with Prime Minister David Cameron in London and discussed a range of issues, including mutual concerns over Iran and Syria and shared hopes for the peace process.

Although the two leaders did not hold a press conference following their meeting, a Downing Street statement said that “The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of efforts to restart the Israeli-Palestinian peace process for the future of Israel and the Palestinians and the region,” noting the need for “improving the economic and security situation on the ground” for Palestinians while “ensuring Israel’s security from rocket and other attacks.” Before leaving for London on Tuesday night, Netanyahu reiterated “our aspiration for peace, a peace that will be based on the principle of two states for two peoples,” emphasising that “in order for the peace to last, it must be anchored in security.”

Cameron and Netanyahu also discussed the dangers posed by Syria’s civil war. Downing Street said that both leaders agreed that it carries “grave humanitarian and security risks.” In an interview with the BBC, Netanyahu warned that Syrian chemical weapons and anti-aircraft weapons “could be game changers” if they fall into the wrong hands.

According to AFP, the two leaders pledged to work together closely on Syria and also to maintain the pressure on Iran over its nuclear programme. Netanyahu and Cameron also discussed ways to deepen economic ties between the UK and Israel.

Netanyahu was in London with his wife Sara to attend the funeral of Margaret Thatcher. According to the Jerusalem Post, Netanyahu yesterday described Thatcher as “a great leader, not only an economic leader, but a world leader,” who was “sympathetic to Israel and its struggles.”