Israel-GB talks

BY ADAM MOSES

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant addressed the threat of Iran on a diplomatic trip to Azerbaijan.

Gallant held discussions with President Ilham Aliyev and Defense Minister Colonel General Zakir Hasanov to strengthen strategic ties and security challenges between the countries.

The dialogue with Aliyev followed a meeting this year at the Munich Security Conference. The narrative included increased security, economic and technological exchanges, and regional peace.

He said: “We have a shared commitment to take our ties to the next level. This is only the beginning of an enduring partnership. The potential for defense, industrial and military exchanges is growing. Azerbaijan is not only a strategic partner but also an asset with great regional influence in the economic, energy security and additional fields.”

Gallant spoke about Iran’s nuclear ambitions and noted Israel foiled 50 Iranian attacks in recent years.

“Some of the attacks were almost ready to be executed and were thwarted at the last moment due to close cooperation with many countries,” he reportedly said. “Iran stands at the centre of the security agenda and the ministry allocated billions from the multi-year budget to prepare for any scenario in which Iran obtains military

Gallant added: “The struggle is ongoing, as it carries Israel to something much more significant, preventing dangerous nuclear weapons from being in the hands of irresponsible Iran.”

Israel’s defense minister also spoke about the counterterrorism operation in Jenin.

He reportedly said: “We identified an increase in the quality and amount of weaponry, helped by Iran's funding, dissemination of knowledge, and training in combat methods. In our recent operation, we proved that we operate aggressively and proactively wherever there is terrorism. In our operation in Jenin, we changed the mindset and concentrated our efforts on dealing with the terrorist infrastructure and available weaponry in the area. Now, the Palestinian Authority has an opportunity to do what is expected of it. However, wherever action is needed, we will not hesitate.”

Gallant attended a wreath-laying ceremony at a monument in memory of Azerbaijan’s fallen soldiers.

He went on to meet Chief of State Border Service Colonel General Elchin Guliyev in Baku.

Gallant and Guliyev outlined regional threats, terrorism and strategic cooperation.

Gallant said: “We have many shared challenges, in particular the fight against terrorism, which not only threatens national security, but also aims to destabilise the region. While facing challenges, we also have many new opportunities. We may further deepen the ties between our countries and strengthen the cooperation between our defense establishments and our forces.”

Israel’s Chief of Staff Shachar Katz and POL-MIL Bureau Dror Shalom joined Gallant in Baku.

Benjamin Netanyahu takes part in Israel-UK bilateral talks

Israel and United Kingdom delegations have held the first bilateral strategic dialogue at the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu joined part of the meeting to welcome the British delegation. He commended the establishment of the strategic dialogue, which reflects the deep friendship and strategic partnership between Israel and the UK.

The meeting, included in-depth talks on Iran, the Russia-Ukraine war and the Palestinian arena.

At the conclusion of the dialogue, the two national security advisers agreed to hold regular strategic dialogue meetings. National Security Adviser and National Security Council director Tzachi Hanegbi and British National Security Adviser Sir Tim Barrow led the inter-organisational delegation discussion.