Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reaffirms support for Israel while urging caution to prevent further escalation in the Middle East

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has confirmed the UK’s unwavering support for Israel following the unprecedented attack by Iran, which launched over 320 projectiles including drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles into Israeli territory. The assault, which Sunak described as a “reckless and dangerous escalation,” occurred on Saturday night and has heightened concerns about potential further destabilization in the Middle East.

In a parliamentary address, Sunak articulated the UK’s position, emphasizing solidarity with Israel while also calling for restraint from all involved parties to avoid a deeper crisis. He outlined the coordinated condemnation by the G7 nations and disclosed ongoing discussions aimed at intensifying pressure on Iran to curb its hostile actions.

The UK Prime Minister also highlighted his plans to engage with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to bolster efforts to prevent further escalations. He stressed that Israel’s security remains a non-negotiable element essential for peace in the region. Furthermore, Sunak reiterated the UK’s stance that Israel has the right to defend itself against threats, specifically pointing to Hamas in Gaza, which he noted is backed by Iran and initiated the current conflict.

In the midst of these tensions, the UK’s Royal Air Force (RAF) played a significant role, intercepting a number of Iranian drones aimed at Israel over the weekend. This military support underscores the UK’s commitment to Israel’s security during this volatile period.

Calls for moderation were echoed across Europe, with leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz urging Israel to exercise restraint and seek to isolate Iran diplomatically rather than escalate military actions. The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, emphasized the need for all parties to “step on the brakes and reverse gear” to prevent an all-out war.

The attack, which is believed to be in retaliation for a previous strike on an Iranian consular building in Syria, attributed to Israel, marks a significant escalation in direct confrontations between Iran and Israel, a relationship strained since Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution