image Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pose for photographs outside number 10 Downing Street in London, Britain February 6, 2017. REUTERS/Neil Hall - RTX2ZU06

PM Netanyahu urges British counterpart May to advance in a mutual effort against radical Islamic terrorism

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during Israel’s weekly cabinet meeting, said he held a phone conversation with his British counterpart Theresa May, during which he relayed to the British people Israel’s condolences for the heinous terror attack in London. Netanyahu, who advocates international cooperation in the worlds fight against Islamic terrorism, urged Prime Minister May to advance in a mutual effort to defeat the core of the issue, which he emphasized was terrorism that rooted in ‘radical Islam’. 

 “Last Friday I spoke with British Prime Minister Theresa May. I sent her condolences, on behalf of the Government and People of Israel, to the families of those who were murdered and, of course, my wishes for a recovery for those who were wounded. I told her that we in Israel have stood against car-ramming and stabbing attacks and we understand that the terrorism that is striking us is the terrorism that is striking London, Brussels, Nice and other places around the world. This is the terrorism of radical Islam that calls for concerted action everywhere in order to defeat it. We will defeat it much quicker if we work together,” said Netanyahu.

The Israeli leader also took the opportunity to thank his British counterpart for a shift in London’s diplomatic conduct in the United Nations Human Rights Council, where British representatives declared that unless the world body change its bias conduct toward the Jewish state, the United Kingdom would consistently oppose all its future decisions. 

“I also thanked her for the intention, which was indeed realized, several hours later in the Human Rights Council, such this strange UN agency is called, on changing Britain’s vote, and much more importantly, for the important speech by British representatives. What was said there, that if bias against Israel in that body continues, than Britain will consistently oppose all decisions. I think that this is an important sign that we would like to encourage the international community to follow.  We think that the time has come to begin changing the distorted attitude toward Israel in international bodies,” added Netanyahu. 

With regard to negotiations between Jerusalem and Washington with regard to Israel’s ongoing construction policy on lands the Palestinians demand for their future state, Prime Minister Netanyahu stressed that contrary to media reports on the matter, no agreements were reached with the White House. 

“There have been reports in the media lately regarding apparent agreements in the talks we are holding with the White House on the issue of settlement construction. I would like to make it clear that there is much in these reports that is not true. I will not go into details. Our talks with the White House are continuing; I hope they will conclude quickly,” concluded Netanyahu.

The disagreement between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump came after Washington requested from Jerusalem to “hold back on its settlement activity for a short time”, in order to establish a “unified approach” between the two countries that would be “consistent with the goal of advancing peace and security,” Between Israel and the Palestinians.