UK forces involved in response to Iran attacks on Israel

UK forces played a role in assisting Israel during the Middle Eastern conflict that erupted following a missile strike by Iran against the nation.

Defence Secretary John Healey mentioned that British troops had "contributed this evening to efforts to avoid further escalation," though he did not provide additional information.

According to information from the BBC, UK fighter jets were part of the response, similar to their involvement in April when Iran launched missile attacks on Israel.

In reaction to the missile strike from Iran on Tuesday, where the Israeli army reported that around 180 missiles were launched, most of which were intercepted, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated that the UK supports Israel and acknowledges its right to defend itself.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that it had fired missiles in response to recent assaults that resulted in the deaths of leaders from the militant groups Hezbollah and Hamas, along with a high-ranking Iranian commander.

Healey mentioned that British troops have contributed to efforts aimed at stopping any additional escalation in the Middle East this evening.

I would like to express my gratitude to all the British team members who took part in the operation for their bravery and skill.

"The UK strongly supports Israel's right to protect its nation and its citizens from any dangers."

In April, British fighter jets intercepted and destroyed several drones that had been launched towards Israel from Iran.

The RAF intercepted the drones in the airspace over Syria and Iraq, where they were already engaged in the Operation Shader mission targeting the Islamic State group.

The choice to deploy jets in April was made by the former Conservative government and has received ongoing support from Sir Keir, both then and now.

Sir Keir took the opportunity to voice his disapproval of Iran's assault on Israel during his speech from Downing Street, expressing his profound worry that the area is at a critical turning point.

"We support Israel and acknowledge its right to defend itself against this attack," he stated.

Urging Iran to put an end to its aggression, he stated: "Alongside its allies such as Hezbollah, Iran has threatened the Middle East for an extended period, causing turmoil and devastation not only in Israel but also affecting the communities they inhabit in Lebanon and other regions."

Let there be no doubt, Britain is firmly opposed to this kind of violence. We back Israel's just request to ensure the safety of its citizens.

Sir Keir was speaking on the phone with his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, when the Iranian attacks started.

The two men had been talking for about 15 minutes about the possibility of missiles being launched from Tehran when Netanyahu had to cut the conversation short after learning that the attacks had begun.

In their conversation, Sir Keir emphasized the significance of implementing a ceasefire in both Lebanon and Gaza.

The leader of the Conservative Party, Rishi Sunak, stated: "We firmly support Israel's right to protect itself, including from Hezbollah in Lebanon."

In his remarks, the prime minister reiterated his recommendation for British citizens to exit Lebanon, cautioning that the circumstances were worsening.

He emphasized, "If you're able to leave, now is the time. Don't hesitate."

British citizens in Lebanon are being urged to sign in with authorities through the government's website. Additionally, a flight arranged by the UK is scheduled to depart from Beirut on Wednesday.

However, a few individuals mentioned to the BBC that they had not received any confirmation or information regarding their reservation on the government-sponsored flight, even though they had already paid for a seat.

As of last week, it was estimated that there were between 4,000 and 6,000 citizens from the UK, along with their dependents, currently in Lebanon.

The missile strike occurred just hours after Israel initiated a ground offensive in southern Lebanon, which it characterized as "limited, localized, and targeted" operations aimed at Hezbollah.

Lebanese authorities report that over 1,000 individuals have lost their lives due to Israeli airstrikes in the last two weeks. In retaliation, Hezbollah has launched hundreds of rockets into northern Israel.

The occasional clashes between Israel and Hezbollah intensified on October 8, 2023, following the unprecedented assault on Israel by Hamas from the Gaza Strip the day before. In an act of support for the Palestinians, Hezbollah targeted Israeli positions.