Skip to main content

Israel's Netanyahu 'refused to meet David Lammy over UK's ICC position'

Netanyahu denied the British foreign secretary's requests for a meeting, according to Israeli media reports
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy in Israel (AFP)
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy in Israel (AFP)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refused to meet British Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Friday during his trip to Israel, according to Israeli media reports.

The British government made multiple requests for a sit-down meeting with Netanyahu, Israel's Channel 13 News and The Times of Israel reported.

But the government was told Netanyahu had a scheduling conflict.

According to Channel 13 News, citing Israeli sources, the Israeli prime minister was angered by the new Labour government's recent decision to withdraw British objections to the International Criminal Court deciding on issuing arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.

A Foreign Office source told Middle East Eye there had been no plans for David Lammy to meet Netanyahu.

New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch

Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters

Lammy visited Israel on a joint trip with his French counterpart Stephane Sejourne. They met Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz and Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer.

Lammy called for a ceasefire and warned of a "dangerous moment" for the region.

Middle East Eye delivers independent and unrivalled coverage and analysis of the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. To learn more about republishing this content and the associated fees, please fill out this form. More about MEE can be found here.