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Cameron in Israel today, to encourage peace progress and strengthen ties
Prime Minister David Cameron will arrive in Israel today for a two-day visit, his first in office, including a keynote address to the Knesset this afternoon.
Cameron was scheduled to visit Israel last month, but was forced to postpone the trip in order to oversee efforts to contain the damage from severe floods across southern England. Prior to his departure, Cameron made clear that furthering the peace process would be high on his agenda during the visit, commenting, “I want to encourage [Israeli] Prime Minister Netanyahu and [Palestinian Authority] President Abbas to build on the strong leadership they have shown so far and to take the final difficult steps towards peace.” He added, “The prize could be great: a stable, prosperous Middle East with a sovereign and viable Palestinian State living in peace alongside a secure Israel at the heart of it.”
Cameron also highlighted the importance of UK-Israel trade relations, saying, “I’ve got a planeload of innovative British companies coming with me and we’ll be linking them up with Israeli businesses so they can forge new partnerships that will give them a competitive edge in the global race.” Cameron will be accompanied by a 17-strong business delegation, with a particular focus on strengthening links in the technology sector. Trade between the UK and Israel is worth an estimated £5.1 billion.
He is also being accompanied by members of the recently appointed Holocaust Commission and fellow Conservative MPs including James Clappison, Matthew Offord and Mike Freer. During his visit, Cameron is expected to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Shimon Peres and visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial. His address to the Knesset this afternoon will be the first by a British Prime Minister since Gordon Brown in 2008.
Tomorrow, Cameron is scheduled to travel to Bethlehem where he will meet with Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas. Cameron is expected to take the opportunity to unveil a plan to aid the development of Palestinian businesses.