David Cameron to back peace talks in first Israel visit

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Via the BBC: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-26526096

David Cameron is set to make his first visit to Israel on Wednesday since becoming UK prime minister.

He will hold talks with his counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu and is expected to back US efforts to restart talks between the Israelis and Palestinians.

Also on Mr Cameron's agenda is UK-Israel trade and the conflict in Syria. He will also address the Israeli parliament, the Knesset.

On Thursday, he is due to meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Mr Cameron is expected to stick to Britain's usual lines - acknowledging Israel's security concerns but criticising settlement building in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.

The settlements are considered to be illegal under international law but Israel disputes this.
'Strong leadership'

Ahead of his two-day visit, Mr Cameron said peace efforts were reaching "a critical phase".

He added: "I want to encourage Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas to build on the strong leadership they have shown so far and to take the final difficult steps towards peace.

"The prize could be great: a stable, prosperous Middle East with a sovereign and viable Palestinian State living in peace alongside a secure Israel at the heart of it.

"A secure future. A prosperous future. That's what we should all set our sights on."

The Conservative PM was forced to postpone a planned two-day trip to the region last month to remain in the UK to lead the emergency response to the floods.

He last visited Israel as opposition leader in 2009.

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