Strengthening ties - the 9th UK-Israel Strategic Dialogue, November 2025
Tal Becker Keynote, 9th UK-Israel Strategic Dialogue
The UK-Israel relationship stands at a crossroads two years on from the atrocities of October 7th, the subsequent conflicts, and now a somewhat contradictory malleable yet resilient ceasefire in Gaza. This ceasefire, part of a broader plan envisioning phased withdrawals, increased humanitarian aid, and discussions on an international stabilisation force, offers a glimmer of hope for reconstruction and stability. Yet it remains precarious amid Hamas violations.
The regional landscape has shifted dramatically: Iran's proxy network has been severely weakened following direct confrontations with Israel, leaving Tehran focused on rebuilding its capabilities rather than immediate escalation. Hezbollah's influence in Lebanon has been curtailed under a cessation of hostilities, while the fall of the Assad regime in Syria has upended old alliances and opened uncertain new dynamics. Opportunities for broader peace-building, including potential expansion of the Abraham Accords, coexist with persistent threats from residual proxies and the challenges of Gaza's "day after."
Compounding these complexities, peak global ostracism of Israel—and by extension, peak global antisemitism, fuelled by polarised discourse around the conflict. It is precisely at this critical moment, marked by both peril and possibility, that platforms for candid, high-level exchange are indispensable. ELNET UK’s 9th UK-Israel Strategic Dialogue confronted this urgency. A "track 1.5+" initiative, bridging official government channels with expert insights, this gathering brought together policymakers, military leaders, analysts, and influencers from both nations to address shared challenges and chart a forward-looking path:
Session 1: Post-war Regional Developments in the Middle East Moderated by Air Marshall (retd) Sammy Sampson, former UK Defence Senior Advisor to MENA and Executive Director of IISS–Middle East, this discussion delved into evolving dynamics in Lebanon, Syria, and beyond. Panellists, including Jonathan Spyer, Executive Director of the Middle East Center for Reporting and Analysis.
Keynote by Lord Michael Gove The Editor of The Spectator and Conservative Peer delivered a powerful address exploring why Israel faces unique scrutiny in Western discourse, highlighting the ideological drivers—from both the radical left and right—that frame Israel at the centre of their anti-Western narratives. He emphasised Israel's success as a liberal democracy and the broader implications for Western values, warning that rising antisemitism signals threats to liberal democracy itself.
Session 2: The Future of the UK-Israel Bilateral Relationship Chaired by Richard Bolchover, Chair of the Anglo-Israel Association, this panel explored security, defence, trade, and technology ties. Contributions from Israeli MKs and UK MPs, including Lord Ian Austin, UK Trade Envoy to Israel, highlighted practical pathways to deepen collaboration amid global uncertainties.
Keynote by MK Yuli Edelstein The Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee member, former Speaker of the Knesset, and former Minister offered insightful reflections on bilateral resilience, drawing on his extensive experience.
Session 3: Common Enemies – The Iranian Threat With participation from RUSI and the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), experts dissected the multifaceted Iranian challenge—from nuclear ambitions and the IRGC to regional proxies—emphasising the imperative of coordinated international responses.
Session 4: The ‘Day After’ in Gaza and Beyond Moderated by Sir Andrew Mitchell MP, Chair of the Abraham Accords APPG, this forward-thinking discussion featured Sir John Jenkins, former UK Ambassador to Saudi Arabia; Ehud Yaari, Senior Middle East Commentator; and Shira Efron from RAND. The panel focused on Gaza reconstruction, the UK's potential role, and peace-building initiatives both outside of the Abraham Accords and by expansion of them.
The day concluded with ELNET UK’s Leadership Dinner, featuring addresses by MK Yair Lapid, Leader of the Opposition and former Prime Minister, and Tal Becker, former Legal Adviser to the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs—providing a fitting culmination to a day of thoughtful and substantive exchanges.
As the UK and Israel navigate political and diplomatic turbulence, the ELNET Forum of Strategic Dialogue provided a high level, impactful forum, that not only diagnoses threats but forges actionable strategies. In a relationship at a crossroads, events like this illuminate the path toward stronger, more resilient partnership. We look forward to building on this momentum in the dialogues ahead.