PM Truss confirms to Israel she is considering British embassy move to Jerusalem

Liz Truss has confirmed to Israeli prime minister Yair Lapid that she is considering moving Britain’s embassy to Jerusalem.

Downing Street confirmed the PM reaffirmed to Lapid, her leadership campaign pledge “about her review of the current location of the British embassy in Israel” during a meeting last night in New York during her visit to the UN General Assembly.

Lapid the tweeted praise to Truss for considering the move adding “We will continue to strengthen the partnership between the countries.”

Former US president Donald Trump had in 2017 broken with a long-standing agreement by the international community not to base their embassies in Jerusalem until a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict was reached.

Trump announced that the US would move its embassy to Jerusalem and recognise it as Israeli’s capital.

In response the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah cut ties with the US, but there was little of the expected unrest over the decision elsewhere in the Middle East.

Both Israel and the Palestinian leadership regard Jerusalem as their capital.

Truss had previously told a Conservative Friends of Israel leadership contest event of her wish to “review” moving the British embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Downing Street confirmed that having met in New York Lapid and Truss “discussed the huge opportunities to boost cooperation between the UK and Israel on strategic priorities, including defence, cyber security, trade and green technology. ”

They added:”The Prime Minister informed Prime Minister Lapid about her review of the current location of the British Embassy in Israel.

“The Prime Minister welcomed progress on a new Free Trade Agreement and reiterated the UK’s commitment to signing a high-ambition deal which delivers for the digital and services sectors.

“The leaders discussed the Middle East Peace Process and regional security, stressing the need for a long-term strategy to contain the threat from Iran.

“The Prime Minister also raised the importance of continued international unity in opposition to Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, including on economic sanctions.

“Turning to recent events, she thanked Prime Minister Lapid for his kind condolences on the death of Her Late Majesty the Queen, noting the close ties between British and Israeli people.”