German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and British Foreign Secretary David Cameron visited Israel on Wednesday for crisis diplomacy discussions. Cameron advocated for a measured response from Israel to Iran’s recent attack, emphasizing the importance of a response that is both strategic and firm without escalating the conflict.
Cameron stressed the need to focus on freeing Israeli hostages, delivering aid to Gaza, and achieving a ceasefire in the region. He expressed his intention to address these issues with both the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority.
Baerbock and Cameron held meetings with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and planned further discussions with key Israeli officials separately but in a coordinated manner, as stated by the German Foreign Office. Baerbock also had a meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz during her seventh visit since the deadly attacks on Israel by Hamas on October 7.
Baerbock is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former opposition leader Benny Gantz, a member of the Israeli war Cabinet, before concluding her visit later on Wednesday. The primary focus of these discussions is the concern that the conflict in Gaza could escalate into a broader regional war.
Following Iran’s significant air attacks on Israel in response to an incident at the Iranian embassy in Damascus, Israeli authorities are preparing for a strong retaliatory response. Allies of Israel are apprehensive that such actions could lead to increased violence and are urging caution and restraint.
