Richard Pater

Former Foreign Secretary David Lammy with Herzog

May 21, 2025, 8:01 am

OPINION: The UK and Israel need closer dialogue, not megaphone diplomacy

The UK should work more directly with Israel to end the current conflict, not inflict unilateral retribution

By Richard Pater

February 7, 2025, 12:41 pm

OPINION: Doubling down and redevelopment: what next for Gaza and the Middle East

Trump's astonishing assertion that the US will transform war-torn Gaza into a 'Riviera' has had a mixed reception, writes Richard Pater

By Richard Pater

October 11, 2023, 12:51 pm

OPINION: How did Israel allow this to happen?

Up until last week the conventional wisdom held that Hamas was not seeking a confrontation, writes Richard Pater, director of the Britain Israel Communications and Research Centre (BICOM)

By Richard Pater

A person stands in front of an Israeli police water cannon being used to disperse demonstrators blocking a road during a protest against plans by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to overhaul the judicial system, in Jerusalem, Monday, July 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

July 26, 2023, 2:51 pm

OPINION: Reasonableness has passed… so what could happen next?

Will Israel's government now re-appoint Shas leader Aryeh Deri or cancel the Supreme Court's ability to override legislation?

By Richard Pater

Israeli military vehicle caught in Jenin, West Bank.

July 6, 2023, 11:43 am

Opinion: What’s next after the IDF’s withdrawal from Jenin

Iran's continued funding of terrorists within the West Bank makes the military's return a certainty

By Richard Pater

Then Prince Charles meets with then President Reuven Rivlin.

May 5, 2023, 12:27 pm

Could it be next year in Jerusalem for His Majesty?

Charles III has visited Israel twice and has strong links with the country but may not visit as monarch, writes Richard Pater

By Richard Pater

April 24, 2023, 3:03 pm

OPINION: Despite stalemate with the Palestinians, Israel at 75 is more successful than ever

Pragmatism has brought Israel many rewards, but a deal with the Palestinians eludes her, writes Richard Pater

By Richard Pater

Benjamin Netanyahu (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

November 2, 2022, 1:44 pm

OPINION: Election result reflective of wider global trend in populism

Richard Pater, the chief executive of BICOM, based in Jerusalem, reflects on the results of the Israeli election and Netanyahu's return – with the backing of the extreme right.

By Richard Pater

View over the Israeli coast from an RAF plane which took part in a flyover over Tel Aviv to mark Israel's 70th birthday

Credit: @UKinIsrael on Twitter

March 24, 2021, 5:54 pm

OPINION: Whoever the prime minister is, UK-Israel ties will become stronger

BICOM chief executive Richard Pater on how military and trade ties are burgeoning between the two countries

By Richard Pater

A Palestinian man is helped by his son as he receives a vaccination against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as Israel continues its national vaccination drive, in East Jerusalem December 23, 2020. REUTERS/Ammar Awad

January 15, 2021, 12:56 pm

OPINION: Insulting to the Apartheid struggle, all Israelis and Palestinians

Richard Pater responds to B'Tselem's report claiming Israel is both non-democratic and an Apartheid state

By Richard Pater

Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Kingdom of Bahrain, Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of the State of Israel, U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates sign papers during the Abraham Accords Signing Ceremony

September 16, 2020, 11:32 am

OPINION: The London genesis of the Abraham Accords

BICOM's Richard Pater reflects on the historic agreements signed in Washington bringing peace between Israel, the UAE and Bahrain

By Richard Pater

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hugs his wife Sara after first exit poll results for the Israeli elections at his party's headquarters in Tel Aviv, Israel, Monday, Feb. 2, 2020. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

March 3, 2020, 3:12 pm

OPINION: Biggest battles are still ahead for energised Bibi

Richard Pater dissects the results of Israel's third election in 12 months, reflecting on high voter turnout and the implications for embattled PM Netanyahu

By Richard Pater

Heads of the Joint List party reacts as the first results in the Israeli Knesset elections are announced, September 17, 2019.. Photo by: Gil Eliyahu-JINIPIX

September 18, 2019, 10:49 am

Are we heading for a unity government?

With another political deadlock in the Jewish state following the second general election of 2019, Richard Pater of BICOM looks at the possible options on the table

By Richard Pater

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu casts his vote during Israel's parliamentary election in Jerusalem April 9, 2019. Photo by: Emil Salman-JINIPIX

April 10, 2019, 1:04 pm

Analysis: King Bibi continues to reign

Jerusalem-based Richard Pater, director of BICOM Israel, reflects on the general election results which sees Benjamin Netanyahu on course for a fifth term

By Richard Pater

A view of eastern Amman from Jabal al-Qal'a

July 27, 2017, 11:40 am

Opinion: Israel’s alliance with Jordan is key

BICOM's director Richard Pater reflects on the importance of Israel maintaining the support of its closest regional ally

By Richard Pater

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Richard Pater