David Cameron Engages in Talks in Israel, Advocates Against Conflict with Iran
Ahead of talks with PM Benjamin Netanyahu, Lord Cameron has urged Israel to do "as little as possible to escalate" tensions in the Middle East.
Israel has pledged to respond following Iran's unprecedented missile and drone assault over the weekend.
The UK foreign secretary aims to urge Israel to limit the scope of its retaliation amid concerns it could escalate into a broader conflict.
He called on Israel's government to be "smart as well as tough".
Speaking to reporters shortly after arriving in Jerusalem on Wednesday, Lord Cameron said he was there to "show solidarity after that appalling attack by Iran".
He continued, "It's right to have made our views clear about what should happen next, but it's clear the Israelis are making a decision to act.
"We hope they do so in a way that does as little to escalate this as possible. And in a way that, as I said yesterday, is smart as well as tough.
"But the real need is to refocus back on Hamas, back on the hostages, back on getting the aid in, back on getting a pause in the conflict in Gaza."
Later, Lord Cameron will travel to a gathering of G7 ministers in Italy, where he will push for coordinated sanctions on Iran.
He has accused Tehran of being "behind so much of the malign activity" in the Middle East and called for other countries to adopt measures designed to restrict Iran's influence
An unprecedented direct attack overnight on Saturday, the Israeli government has repeatedly vowed to retaliate after Iran sent more than 300 drones and missile towards Israel.
Almost all the projectiles were intercepted by Israel's air defence systems, with the help of the UK, US, France, and Jordan.
The direct assault by Iran on Israel was in retaliation for a strike in Syria on April 1, which resulted in the deaths of senior Iranian military figures. While Israel has not publicly acknowledged its involvement in the attack, it is widely believed to have been responsible.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak cautioned against significant escalation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining calm in the region. Lord Cameron's visit to Israel aims to reinforce calls for restraint and to increase pressure on Israeli leaders to facilitate humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Additionally, he is advocating for the release of hostages by Hamas and the imposition of further sanctions on Iran by Western powers. Lord Cameron's presence in Jerusalem serves as both a demonstration of support and a warning to Israeli leaders against any significant escalation, highlighting the potential negative consequences for Israel and the international community.
Lord Cameron is one of several Western foreign ministers who are expected to visit Israel in the coming days to convey that message in person - he briefly met German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock over breakfast on Wednesday.
Lord Cameron and Ms Baerbock later met Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
The foreign secretary is also due to meet Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister Israel Katz, and will hold talks with Mohammad Mustafa, the prime minister of the Palestinian Authority.
