A supply with information of the journey mentioned that the “diaries” of Sir Keir Starmer and Benjamin Netanyahu didn’t align.
As well as, a deliberate assembly between the prime minister and Ron Dermer, Israel’s minister of strategic affairs, was cancelled as a result of the senior Israeli official had delayed his journey to the United Nations Basic Meeting by a day.
The absence of talks between the British and Israeli leaders got here regardless of Israel considerably increasing an offensive in opposition to Hezbollah in Lebanon, prompting calls by the UK and different allies for a direct ceasefire amid fears of escalation right into a regional conflict.
It additionally adopted condemnation by Mr Netanyahu of a call by the UK authorities to droop some arms export licences to Israel, describing it earlier this month as a shameful transfer that might embolden Hamas – one other Iran-backed militant group that the Israeli navy is preventing.
The supply mentioned {that a} assembly between Sir Keir and Mr Netanyahu in New York had not been pre-planned – however there had been hopes it would occur.
Extra on Benjamin Netanyahu
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
1:27
‘Israel and Hezbollah – cease the violence’
“I think there were definitely attempts [to arrange talks] but the diaries just did not work,” the supply mentioned, talking on the situation of anonymity.
“We were hopeful for a meeting” however one was not agreed.
It quoted Downing Road sources as insisting this was not a snub and that the federal government is “in touch with the Israelis all the time”.
Spreaker
This content material is offered by Spreaker, which can be utilizing cookies and different applied sciences.
To point out you this content material, we’d like your permission to make use of cookies.
You need to use the buttons under to amend your preferences to allow Spreaker cookies or to permit these cookies simply as soon as.
You possibly can change your settings at any time through the Privateness Choices.
Sadly we’ve been unable to confirm if in case you have consented to Spreaker cookies.
To view this content material you need to use the button under to permit Spreaker cookies for this session solely.
Allow Cookies
Permit Cookies As soon as
Against this, the British prime minister did maintain talks along with his Lebanese counterpart.
Sir Keir gave Najib Mikati his “sincere condolences… for the loss of civilian life in recent weeks”, Downing Road mentioned in a press release.
“They discussed the escalating conflict in Lebanon, and agreed on the importance of an immediate ceasefire and a negotiated solution.”
The British chief used his maiden handle on the UN Basic Meeting to name for Israel and Hezbollah – which is backed by Iran and whose navy wing is taken into account by the UK to be a terrorist organisation – to comply with a ceasefire, saying “escalation serves no one”.
Sir Keir implored the 2 sides to “step back from the brink”.
