UK forces involved in response to Iran attacks on Israel
Image credit: PA Media
UK troops participated in assisting Israel during the Middle Eastern conflict following a missile strike by Iran on the nation.
Defense Secretary John Healey stated that British troops had "contributed to efforts to avoid further escalation” this evening, but he didn't provide any additional information.
The BBC reports that British fighter planes were also part of the response, similar to their involvement in April when Iran launched missile strikes against Israel.
In reaction to the missile strike from Iran on Tuesday, which the Israeli forces reported involved the launch of 180 missiles, the majority of which were shot down, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed that the UK "supports Israel" and acknowledges its entitlement to defend itself.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that it fired missiles in response to recent assaults that resulted in the deaths of leaders from Hezbollah and Hamas, along with a high-ranking Iranian commander.
Healey stated, "This evening, British troops have contributed to efforts aimed at stopping any further escalation in the Middle East."
I’d like to express my gratitude to all the British staff who took part in the operation for their bravery and dedication.
"The UK wholeheartedly supports Israel's right to protect itself and its citizens from any dangers."
In April, British fighter jets intercepted and brought down several drones that were launched toward Israel from Iran.
The RAF intercepted the drones while they were flying in the airspace over Syria and Iraq, conducting operations as part of the Operation Shader initiative targeting the Islamic State group.
The choice to deploy jets in April was made by the former Conservative administration and has received backing from Sir Keir both during that time and afterwards.
Sir Keir took to the podium at Downing Street to criticize Iran's assault on Israel, expressing his profound worry that the area is teetering on the edge of a crisis.
"We support Israel and acknowledge its right to defend itself against this aggression," he stated.
He urged Iran to put an end to its assaults, stating, "In collaboration with its allies like Hezbollah, Iran has threatened the Middle East for far too long, causing turmoil and devastation not only for Israel but also for the communities surrounding them in Lebanon and other areas."
There's no doubt about it: Britain strongly condemns this kind of violence. We back Israel's legitimate request to ensure the safety of its citizens.
Sir Keir was speaking on the phone with his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, when the attacks from Iran started.
The two men had been chatting for about 15 minutes about the possibility of missiles being launched from Tehran when Netanyahu had to end the call because he received word that the attacks had started.
In their conversation, Sir Keir emphasized the need for a ceasefire in both Lebanon and Gaza.
Rishi Sunak, the leader of the Conservative Party, stated: "We fully support Israel's right to protect itself, especially in its fight against Hezbollah in Lebanon."
In his remarks, the prime minister reiterated his recommendation for British citizens to exit Lebanon, emphasizing that the circumstances were getting "more serious."
He stated, "If you can get away, now is the moment to do it. Don't delay."
British citizens in Lebanon are being encouraged to sign in with authorities on the government’s website. A chartered flight from the UK is scheduled to depart from Beirut on Wednesday.
However, some individuals reported to the BBC that they had not received any confirmation or information regarding their reservation on the government-funded 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 British citizens, along with their family members, currently in Lebanon.
The missile strike occurred just a few hours after Israel initiated a ground assault in southern Lebanon, which it characterized as "limited, localized, and focused" 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.
On October 8, 2023, the intermittent clashes between Israel and Hezbollah intensified following the shocking assault on Israel by Hamas militants from the Gaza Strip. In a show of support for the Palestinians, Hezbollah launched attacks on Israeli targets.
