Ivan Lewis meets members of the Israeli Knesset

10 Nov 2009

Ivan Lewis met with five members of the Israeli Knesset to stress the importance of UK-Israel bilateral relations and express concern that some Israeli actions in East Jerusalem were unnecessarily provocative.

Ivan Lewis, Minister of State, Crown copyright

During his meeting on Monday 9 November, Mr Lewis stressed the importance of the UK-Israel bilateral relationship and the importance that the British Government attached to launching a process towards a credible Middle East peace.

He expressed his deep concern that some Israeli actions in East Jerusalem were unnecessarily provocative. He also stressed the Government's opposition to efforts by some to boycott Israel, saying that such moves were counterproductive and did not help make progress towards peace.

Mr Lewis also made clear UK concerns about Iran's intentions, and diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue.