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David Cameron urges peace deal on first Israel visit David Cameron urges peace on first Israel visit as PM
(about 1 hour later)
David Cameron is visiting Israel for the first time since becoming UK prime minister. David Cameron has spoken of the need for a peace deal as he visited Israel for the first time since becoming prime minister.
Speaking after arriving for talks with his counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, Mr Cameron said a peace settlement between Israel and Palestine was "absolutely vital for our world." Ahead of talks with his counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, Mr Cameron said a settlement between Israel and Palestine was "absolutely vital for our world".
On Thursday, he will meet Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Mr Netanyahu said the two leaders had "a lot to talk about".
He also said he wanted UK trade links with Israel to grow. Also on the agenda is the conflict in Syria. On Thursday, Mr Cameron will meet Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.
Also on the agenda are the UK's trade links with Israel and the conflict in Syria.
Welcoming Mr Cameron, Mr Netanyahu said: "We are two robust democracies, technological societies that I believe can seize the future by co-operating together".
He spoke of the need to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and achieve a "secure and enduring peace between Israel and the Palestinians".
Mr Cameron responded: "I am here as a good friend and strong supporter of Israel.
"Under my prime ministership, I think we have seen the British-Israeli relationship go from strength to strength and I am committed to strengthening that relationship still further."
He said the "danger and threat" of a nuclear-armed Iran had to be avoided.
Speaking shortly after arriving in Tel Aviv, Mr Cameron said: "I think actually getting a peace settlement between Israel and Palestine is absolutely vital for our world.Speaking shortly after arriving in Tel Aviv, Mr Cameron said: "I think actually getting a peace settlement between Israel and Palestine is absolutely vital for our world.
"The two state solution is the right answer, so I am here to do everything I can to persuade Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas to take the bold and courageous decisions to bring that two state solution to pass. "The two-state solution is the right answer, so I am here to do everything I can to persuade Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas to take the bold and courageous decisions to bring that two-state solution to pass.
"I also want to deepen the relationship between Britain and Israel. Britain is a great friend to Israel, we have very strong trading links, very strong technology links and I want to see that grow.""I also want to deepen the relationship between Britain and Israel. Britain is a great friend to Israel, we have very strong trading links, very strong technology links and I want to see that grow."
Mr Cameron is expected to stick to Britain's usual lines - acknowledging Israel's security concerns but criticising settlement building in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. The PM was forced to postpone a planned two-day trip to the region last month to remain in the UK to lead the emergency response to the floods.
The settlements are considered to be illegal under international law but Israel disputes this.
'Strong leadership'
Ahead of his two-day visit, Mr Cameron said peace efforts were reaching "a critical phase".
He added: "I want to encourage Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas to build on the strong leadership they have shown so far and to take the final difficult steps towards peace.
"The prize could be great: a stable, prosperous Middle East with a sovereign and viable Palestinian State living in peace alongside a secure Israel at the heart of it.
"A secure future. A prosperous future. That's what we should all set our sights on."
The Conservative PM was forced to postpone a planned two-day trip to the region last month to remain in the UK to lead the emergency response to the floods.
He last visited Israel as opposition leader in 2009.He last visited Israel as opposition leader in 2009.
He is leading a 17-strong UK business delegation, seeking to encourage links between technology and innovation sectors in the UK and Israel.He is leading a 17-strong UK business delegation, seeking to encourage links between technology and innovation sectors in the UK and Israel.
'Competitive edge''Competitive edge'
"Our tech partnership is the strongest of any in the world and we should capitalise on this - creating more jobs back in Britain and delivering economic security for hard-working families," added Mr Cameron."Our tech partnership is the strongest of any in the world and we should capitalise on this - creating more jobs back in Britain and delivering economic security for hard-working families," added Mr Cameron.
"I've got a planeload of innovative British companies coming with me and we'll be linking them up with Israeli businesses so they can forge new partnerships that will give them a competitive edge in the global race.""I've got a planeload of innovative British companies coming with me and we'll be linking them up with Israeli businesses so they can forge new partnerships that will give them a competitive edge in the global race."
He said he also wanted to see the Palestinian economy develop and that he would be detailing new UK support to help Palestinian businesses become more competitive.He said he also wanted to see the Palestinian economy develop and that he would be detailing new UK support to help Palestinian businesses become more competitive.
The visit comes at a sensitive time in efforts to secure a lasting agreement between the Israelis and Palestinians.The visit comes at a sensitive time in efforts to secure a lasting agreement between the Israelis and Palestinians.
The US has said it hopes to get the backing of both sides for a framework document addressing the most contentious issues around the "two-state solution" sought by the international community.The US has said it hopes to get the backing of both sides for a framework document addressing the most contentious issues around the "two-state solution" sought by the international community.
Unresolved issues include:Unresolved issues include:
There has been little sign of progress since July, when direct talks resumed after a three-year hiatus.There has been little sign of progress since July, when direct talks resumed after a three-year hiatus.
The Palestinians suspended the last round of talks in 2010 after a 10-month partial moratorium on settlement construction expired.The Palestinians suspended the last round of talks in 2010 after a 10-month partial moratorium on settlement construction expired.
The European Union is Israel's largest trading partner as well as the biggest donor to the Palestinian Authority.The European Union is Israel's largest trading partner as well as the biggest donor to the Palestinian Authority.
Mr Cameron has hosted both Mr Netanyahu and Mr Abbas in Downing Street since 2010.Mr Cameron has hosted both Mr Netanyahu and Mr Abbas in Downing Street since 2010.