Rishi Sunak has vowed to stand with Israel in its “darkest hour”, telling Benjamin Netanyahu that “we want you to win”.
The Prime Minister has followed US President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s lead in travelling to Israel to personally offer condolences for Hamas’s attack on October 7th which left hundreds of Israelis dead and saw almost 200 people taken hostage.
He said the UK wants Israel to win its battle against the Palestinian militant group as Netanyahu warned of a “long war”.
The Israeli leader also said his forces are fighting against the “worst monsters on the planet”.
He told Mr Sunak during their joint press conference: “Eighty years ago, Prime Minister, the civilised world stood with you in your darkest hour.
“This is our darkest hour. It is the world’s darkest hour. We need to stand together and we will win.
“And this is why I support… I value your support and the fact that you’re here – we must win together.”
Sunak said he was “proud to stand here with you in Israel’s darkest hour as your friend”.
He added: “We will stand with you in solidarity, we will stand with your people. And we also want you to win.”
Sunak will next travel to Saudi Arabia, an influential player in the Middle East, to hold talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
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