Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed today, Thursday, that "the surprise attack launched by Hamas on Israel on October 7 aimed to thwart the expansion of his country's peaceful relations in the Middle East, and he asked Britain to continue supporting Tel Aviv in its counter-offensive on Gaza."
In a statement alongside British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Netanyahu said, "Chancellor Schultz called Hamas the new Nazis. You fought the Nazis, and the whole world supported their war. Hamas is the new Nazis, they are the new ISIS; we must fight them together."
Netanyahu told the visiting British Prime Minister Sunak, "We were on the verge of expanding this peace, and thwarting this step was one reason for the attack." He added, "These are our darkest times. This means it is a long war, and we will need your continued support."
For his part, Sunak pledged to Netanyahu that "Britain will stand by Israel in its 'darkest times'," and welcomed the decision to allow aid into Gaza, stating, "Israel is doing its utmost to minimize civilian casualties." Sunak continued, "I know you are taking every precaution to avoid harming civilians, in stark contrast to the Hamas terrorists who seek to endanger civilians." He said, "I welcome your decision made yesterday to ensure the roads leading to Gaza are open for humanitarian aid... Proud to stand here with you in Israel's darkest times as your friend. We will stand with you in solidarity. We will stand with your people, and we want you to succeed as well."
Sunak viewed it as "important not to let the conflict between Israel and Hamas spill over into the wider Middle East. That is why I am speaking to as many people as possible across the region."
Both leaders emphasized "the need to prevent any regional escalation of the conflict and the importance of restoring peace and stability in the region."
Earlier, the Office of the British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak noted that he "met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Israel today, and together stressed the urgent need to avoid further escalation of violence in the region." The office stated, "The Prime Minister and President Herzog emphasized the necessity to prevent further escalation of violence in the region. They agreed to continue working together to achieve this goal."
They also agreed to continue efforts to secure the release of British nationals held in the conflict. Sunak arrived in Tel Aviv today to extend condolences to his Israeli counterpart Netanyahu after the Hamas attack on October 7, and to discuss the war in Gaza.
A spokesperson for the British Prime Minister stated, "Sunak will head to Saudi Arabia later today, where he will meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman."
