Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he met the Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces during his visit to the UK in November 2024.

As part of the concerted UK effort, along with allies and partners, to reach a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflicts in Lebanon and Gaza, the Chief of the Defence Staff hosted his counterparts from Israel and other international partners on Monday 25 November. The Secretary of State did not meet with Lieutenant General Halevi.

Discussions recognised Israel’s right to security, as well as including the UK calls for an immediate ceasefire in both Lebanon and Gaza, the need for greater humanitarian access into Gaza, the release of all hostages, and the requirement for all parties to comply with international humanitarian law.

We continue to work with international partners to encourage de-escalation and promote long-term peace and security in the Middle East.