Recent UK defence engagement with Israel outlined

On 21 January 2025, Chris Law, MP for Dundee Central, posed two written questions to the Ministry of Defence concerning UK-Israel defence relations.

The first question inquired about visits to Israel made by senior UK defence officials since January 2024. Luke Pollard, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence, provided the following breakdown:

“Since 1 January 2024, the Chief of the Defence Staff has visited Israel twice and the Chief of the Air Staff has visited Israel once, to discuss the longstanding defence relationship, encourage de-escalation and compliance with international humanitarian law, and promote long-term peace in the region.” Pollard further confirmed that “Commander Strategic Command has not visited Israel since 1 January 2024.”

The second question addressed the presence of Israeli armed forces personnel attending training courses in the UK.

Pollard declined to provide specifics, stating: “This information is being withheld in order to protect personal information and to avoid prejudicing relations between the United Kingdom and another State.”

These responses highlight the ongoing defence collaboration between the UK and Israel while maintaining confidentiality in certain areas to safeguard diplomatic and operational sensitivities.

Additionally, on 21 January 2025, Brian Leishman, Labour MP for Alloa and Grangemouth, submitted a parliamentary question to the Ministry of Defence concerning potential UK involvement in Israeli airstrikes on Yemen earlier this month. Specifically, the MP inquired whether UK forces either participated in or supported Israeli operations conducted on 10 January 2025.

Responding on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, Pollard issued a concise clarification: “The UK did not take part in, or provide support to, Israeli airstrikes in Yemen on Friday 10 January 2025.”