BICOM

Recently appointed Middle East Minister Tobias Ellwood made his first visit to Israel yesterday in his new role, during which he met with a number of Israeli ministers, discussed regional issues and UK-Israel cooperation.

Ellwood held what he described as “constructive conversations” with Justice Minister and Israel’s lead negotiator in recent peace talks Tzipi Livni, Minister of Intelligence Yuval Steinitz and Deputy Foreign Minister Tzachi Hanegbi. Ellwood said that they discussed “Gaza and the urgency of progress on the peace process” and specifically talked about the upcoming talks in Cairo between Israel and a Palestinian delegation over a long-term Gaza ceasefire. Ellwood added, “I expressed my sincere hope that Israel can take the opportunity offered by the Cairo talks to address the fundamental causes of the conflict in Gaza … to end the cycle of violence, providing lasting peace and security to Palestinians and Israelis.”

Ellwood also met with local leaders from Israel’s southern communities, which live under constant threat of Gaza rocket attacks and were bombarded by missiles during the summer. He then visited an Iron Dome battery, which successfully intercepted a large number of missiles during Operation Protective Edge. Ellwood commented, “Having heard first-hand from residents of Israel’s southern communities about their experiences of living under rocket fire, I reaffirm the United Kingdom’s determination to stand by Israel’s right to self-defence.”

However, Ellwood also “reiterated the UK’s long-standing concern about settlements,” including construction in the Givat Hamatos neighbourhood of East Jerusalem, which last week was given further municipal approval. Ellwood said such projects have “serious implications for the prospects of a two-state solution.”

The Minister also met with Israeli tech entrepreneurs who discussed their collaboration with British partners, facilitated by the UK-Israel Tech Hub. Ellwood said he was “impressed to see the strength of the UK-Israel partnership first hand.” Increasing bilateral scientific and technological cooperation includes a joint fund to research cyber defence announced in May and ongoing collaboration in life sciences and health research.