The Forum of Strategic Dialogue (FSD) and Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs, one of the world’s leading think tanks, successfully held their third annual UK-Israel Strategic Dialogue.
The dialogue took place against the backdrop of Trump’s withdrawal from the Iran deal, the US opening its embassy in Jerusalem, and the violent protests in Gaza. In this context, the discussions were devoted to strategic challenges of mutual concern to Israel and the UK, including both countries’ strategies towards the Middle East, their relations with the US, EU, and Russia, emerging threats in post-ISIS Syria, Iran-Saudi regional rivalry and domestic challenges, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, bilateral relations and domestic arenas.
According to senior officials participating in the dialogue, the bilateral cooperation between the UK and Israel has grown deeper and broader than ever before over the last few years, despite some political disagreements. Significantly, Israel has been identified as one of the top five trade priority countries for the UK in a post-Brexit White Paper.
The gathering, which was conducted under the Chatnam House Rule, was held on April 22-23, 2018, in the charming and historic Mishkenot Sha’ananim, facing the magnificent views of the Old City in Jerusalem.