Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to London on Thursday and met with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The Prime Minister's Office reported on Wednesday that the two leaders would "discuss the situation in the region and the way to rebuff Iran's terrorism and aggression."
The two agreed during a meeting on the need to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, Downing Street said on Thursday.
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"Both prime ministers agreed on the need to prevent Iran [from] getting a nuclear weapon and stop wider destabilizing Iranian behavior. The prime minister [Johnson] stressed the need for dialogue and a diplomatic solution," a Downing Street spokeswoman said.
"I want to say that you've been a great friend of the Jewish people and Israel," Netanyahu told Johnson during a press event. "I applaud your staunch stance against anti-Semitism and your support for Israel's security."
He added: "It's not that we lack challenges. We have the challenge of Iran's aggression and terrorism, and I'd like to talk to you about how we can work together to counter these things for the benefit of peace."
The UK prime minister opened the media event by telling reporters: "Of course the UK is still supporting all efforts to reach a solution to the Middle East peace process and a two-state solution."
Before taking off on an impromptu visit to the UK, Netanyahu delivered a stark warning to Tehran on Thursday morning, strongly condemning their decision to remove all limits on nuclear research and development.
"This is not the time to hold talks with Iran; this is the time to increase the pressure on Iran," the Israeli premier said.
Netanyahu's remarks came a day after US President Donald Trump said he may meet with Iran's President Hassan Rouhani to resolve a deepening crisis between the two countries.
"Anything's possible. They would like to be able to solve their problem," Trump said on Wednesday in regards to a possible meeting with his Iranian counterpart at the next UN General Assembly in New York.
Israeli local media reported that Netanyahu's meeting with Johnson lasted a mere half-hour, apparently in light of Britain's political turmoil over Brexit.
Netanyahu is due to meet with newly appointed US Defense Secretary Mark Esper later on Thursday. Officials in the Israeli Prime Ministers Office did not confirm whether Netanyahu will meet US Vice President Mike Pence, who is visiting London as well, Hebrew-language Walla News reported.
Netanyahu spoke with US Defense Secretary Mark Esper by phone on Wednesday night and "decided to expand on their conversation in London," the Prime Minister's Office added.
Meanwhile, reports circulated on Wednesday that Netanyahu was planning to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin "very soon," though there was conflicting information whether the meeting would be held before or after the Israeli election.
News of the possible meeting comes after Netanyahu's decision to postpone his visit to India, which was also slated to take place before September 17.
Israeli media outlets reported that officials from the Prime Minister's Office were also trying to set up a meeting between Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump before the election.
The meeting with Putin is expected to focus mainly on Iran and its increased involvement in Syria.
Parts of this were originally published by i24NEWS.
