Minister for the Middle East Rt. Hon. Alistair Burt MP visited Israel and the West Bank this week where he met with senior Israeli government officials, visited an Israeli start-up hub, and announced a new UK aid package to Gaza.
In Jerusalem, Mr Burt met Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Tzipi Hotovely, Regional Cooperation Minister Tzachi Hanegbi, and Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs Yuval Rotem, where tensions in Syria and Gaza were discussed. Mr Burt said that he “stressed the importance of the Iran nuclear deal and addressing destabilising regional behaviour”.
He visited the Bizmax accelerator in Jerusalem, which is a start-up hub for ultra-Orthodox men, encouraging a more inclusive tech industry.
Following a meeting with young Israeli politicians, the Middle East Minister said he was “inspired” by them, adding: “It’s great to exchange views with future leaders. I encouraged them to forge partnerships with their UK peers”.
In the West Bank, the Minister announced a new UK commitment to provide a package of aid totalling £1.5 million to buy medicine and surgical equipment for 11 hospitals in Gaza.
