December 8, 2023
2 mins read

Defence Secy Shapps Visits Israel

The ministers held a one-on-one discussion, followed by a bilateral security briefing with professional delegations…reports Asian Lite News

Israel’s Minister of Defence Yoav Gallant met with the visiting British Secretary of State for Defense Grant Shapps on Thursday night at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters in Tel Aviv. Shapps took part in the lighting of the first candle for the first night of Chanukah with Minister Gallant.

This marked the first visit by a British Defence Secretary to Israel in 27 years.

“This is the first day of Chanukah – the holiday that symbolizes the victory of the Maccabees against their enemies,” Gallant said. “They didn’t have a State – we have a State to protect us, and we are prepared to defend ourselves.”

“Two months ago, the war was launched when we were brutally attacked by Hamas,” he added, “and now we are fighting. We are determined to win, and we will prevail – I am sure of it.”

“We [Israel and Britain] share common values and common goals, and unfortunately also common threats, and we appreciate very much your visit and your position.”

The ministers held a one-on-one discussion, followed by a bilateral security briefing with professional delegations.

Minister Gallant was joined by the IDF Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi in briefing the Secretary, the British Chief of Defence Forces, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin and their delegation. They discussed developments and the IDF’s precise operations in Gaza. They also discussed the growing tensions on Israel’s northern border and growing regional threats posed by Iranian proxies.

Kerem Shalom crossing to open

The Israel government has agreed to open the Kerem Shalom border crossing to help speed up delivery of humanitarian supplies into Gaza.

In a statement, the Israel body for civil coordination with Palestinians, COGAT said that the Kerem Shalom would be opened in the next few days.

Colonel Elad Goren , head of the Civil department at COGAT, said that Kerem Shalom would be opened for inspection and would allow the flow of humanitarian aid after inspection by UN agencies.

The Kerem Shalom crossing was used to carry more than 60 per cent of the truckloads going into Gaza before war erupted on October 7. (with inputs from agencies)

ALSO READ-Sunak, Shapps bicker over deployment of British soldiers to Ukraine

Previous Story

UK Accuses Russia’s FSB of Cyber-Hacking Politicians

Next Story

Sunak Welcomes Dutch Prime Minister at No 10

Latest from -Top News

Kerala CM begins Gulf tour

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan begins Gulf tour in Bahrain, engaging expatriate community and promoting welfare initiatives for NRKs, strengthening diaspora ties and showcasing Kerala’s development achievements….reports Asian Lite News Kerala Chief Minister

Green gold beneath the waves

Abu Dhabi, EAD and TotalEnergies launch seagrass restoration programme to protect marine biodiversity, store carbon, support dugongs, enhance fisheries, and lead global climate action initiatives….reports Asian Lite News As part of its

Microsoft joins UAE money push

The MoU sets the stage for a strategic partnership aimed at integrating AI across the UAE’s investment ecosystem….reports Asian Lite News The Ministry of Investment and Microsoft have signed a Memorandum of

EDGE unleashes cyber shield

The flagship platform, PROTECTION360, expands EDGE’s capabilities in continuous attack surface management….reports Asian Lite News EDGE, the UAE-based global advanced technology and defence conglomerate, has unveiled a suite of four cutting-edge cyber

UAE strengthens ties with WEF

During discussions, Sheikha Latifa highlighted the UAE’s commitment to fostering international collaboration and building frameworks that support forward-looking solutions to global challenges….reports Asian Lite News H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Sheikh Abdullah Discusses Gaza With UK, Israeli Counterparts

Sheikh Abdullah discussed with the Foreign Ministers of Britain and

26/11 survivor delivers special message to Israeli Knesset

The gathering included Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister-designate