On Tuesday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to Israel’s security during a debate on the Government’s Integrated Review of security, defence, development and foreign policy.
In response to a question from former Cabinet Minister Rt. Hon. Robert Halfon MP, who asked if the UK’s vision can be aligned with other democratic countries including Israel, the Prime Minister said “our commitment to Israeli security is unwavering”.
Mr Halfon described Israel as a “vanguard of religious pluralism, democracy, a free society, the rule of law and security against terrorism”.
In the debate, former Defence Secretary Rt. Hon. Dr Liam Fox MP asked the Prime Minister what assessment he has made of “the threat from Iran to the Gulf region and the UK’s strategic interests”. He asked what the opportunities are for “increased peace and prosperity as a result of the signing of the Abraham Accords between Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain”.
The Prime Minister described the Abraham Accords as “an unexpected breakthrough” and “a significant and positive step forward”.
He said the UK remains “extremely concerned by Iran’s influence and disruptive behaviour in the region”, including “the risk of Iran developing a viable nuclear weapon”.
In the Integrated Review, the UK pledged to build upon its “close security partnership” with Israel, as well as enhancing collaboration “in areas such as life sciences and green technology”.
