British Finance Minister Rachel Reeves said on Sunday that the decision to deploy additional Royal Air Force jets to the Middle East was primarily aimed at safeguarding UK personnel and military infrastructure, though support for allies, including Israel, remains on the table.
Reeves described the move as a "precautionary measure" in response to heightened regional tensions following reciprocal strikes between Israel and Iran overnight. "We're sending in assets to both protect ourselves and also potentially to support our allies," she stated.
When asked if Britain would respond to a formal request for assistance from Israel, Reeves pointed to past instances of UK support. “We have, in the past, supported Israel when there have been missiles coming in,” she said, referencing the RAF's role in intercepting Iranian drones in April, as well as earlier operations involving British fighter jets and refuelling aircraft.
However, Britain’s relationship with Israel has grown increasingly complex in recent months. Last week, the UK government imposed sanctions on two far-right Israeli ministers — National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich — citing repeated incitement of violence against Palestinians. Israel condemned the move as “outrageous”.
Despite its firm support for Israel's right to defend itself, the UK has also expressed growing concern over the conduct of Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
In a further sign of unease, Britain’s Foreign Office updated its travel advisory on Sunday to warn against all travel to Israel, tightening earlier guidance issued on Friday, which cautioned against all but essential visits.
The evolving situation underscores the tightrope London is walking: committed to regional security and historical alliances, yet increasingly vocal on humanitarian concerns and the risks of broader conflict.
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Five police officers have been shot in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, with three reported to be in grave condition and another in critical care....
Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa said ongoing negotiations with Israel over a security pact could produce results “in the coming days.”...
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Wednesday that Russia bears responsibility for damage to a house in the village of Wyryki in eastern Poland....
Britain’s King Charles and U.S. President Donald Trump celebrated the enduring “special relationship” between their countries during a state banquet at Windsor Castle on Wednesday.
Britain launched a new package of Russia-related sanctions on Friday, targeting ships carrying Russian oil, as well as companies and individuals supplying electronics, chemicals and explosives used to make Russian weapons.
Thousands of London Underground staff began a series of strikes on Sunday over pay and working conditions, causing severe disruption across the city’s subway network.
Britain, France, and Germany have confirmed that their proposal to extend the Iran nuclear deal and delay the reimposition of UN sanctions for 30 days “remains on the table,” UK Ambassador Barbara Woodward said on Friday at the United Nations.
AnewZ has learned that India has once again blocked Azerbaijan’s application for full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, while Pakistan’s recent decision to consider diplomatic relations with Armenia has been coordinated with Baku as part of Azerbaijan’s peace agenda.
A day of mourning has been declared in Portugal to pay respect to victims who lost their lives in the Lisbon Funicular crash which happened on Wednesday evening.
A Polish Air Force pilot was killed on Thursday when an F-16 fighter jet crashed during a training flight ahead of the 2025 Radom International Air Show.
At least eight people have died and more than 90 others were injured following a catastrophic gas tanker explosion on a major highway in Mexico City’s Iztapalapa district on Wednesday, authorities confirmed.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump are expected to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit next month in South Korea.
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have formalised a mutual defence agreement, reinforcing a decades-long security partnership, Pakistani state television reported on Wednesday.
Britain’s King Charles and U.S. President Donald Trump celebrated the enduring “special relationship” between their countries during a state banquet at Windsor Castle on Wednesday.
Five police officers have been shot in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, with three reported to be in grave condition and another in critical care.
Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa said ongoing negotiations with Israel over a security pact could produce results “in the coming days.”
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