The Community Security Trust (CST) has advised British Jews to be vigilant in public places following Israel’s pre-emptive strike last night on Iran’s nuclear capabilities, while the Board has called on the UK to support Israel.
The CST, British Jewry’s security support organisation, “strongly” requested the community “be vigilant and follow strict security measures that are in place at communal buildings, events and areas.”
“This is not based upon specific intelligence, but Iran has long used terrorism against Jews and Israelis around the world.”
The Board of Deputies of British Jews meanwhile expressed “our deep solidarity” with the Israeli people and called on the British government to “maintain its active support for Israel’s defence against the murderous Iranian regime.”
In a statement, Board President Phil Rosenberg said: “There can be no doubt about Iran’s intentions to acquire nuclear weapons capability. This poses a grave and intolerable threat to Israel, but also to the security and stability of the region of the world.
“We pray for a swift end to the conflict and for a future of peace and security for all the peoples of the region.”
The Jewish Leadership Council (JLC), too, called on the UK to support Israel: “Our thoughts are with our family, friends, and all the people of Israel who are awaiting incoming fire from Iran. We were grateful that successive UK governments provided life-saving support to help defend Israel from Iranian attacks, and we call on the UK to support its ally in the fight against a common threat.”
The Iranian regime, JLC stated, poses a “lethal threat, not only to Israelis and Jews worldwide but to British people here in the UK... such a regime must never be allowed to possess nuclear weapons.”
JLC added that it was aware there will be some whose loved ones are currently unable to leave Israel at this time, and they will “be speaking to our contacts in government regarding support for UK nationals and residents to return home.”
Overnight, the IDF sent over 200 aircraft to strike around 100 targets inside Iran, including nuclear facilities, military installations and the private residents of senior officials and nuclear scientists, in a pre-emptive operation code-named “Rising Lion”.
According to reports, the Jewish State’s spy agency Mossad was able to smuggle in explosive drones to the country ahead of time and then activate them to target surface-to-air missile sites inside Iran, thereby giving Israel air supremacy.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu framed the strikes as “essential” to stop Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and declared they would continue “for as many days as it takes.”
Calling for stability and de-escalation in the region, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the reports of strikes is “concerning”.
“Escalation serves no one in the region. Stability in the Middle East must be the priority and we are engaging our partners to de-escalate. Now is the time for restraint, calm and a return to diplomacy,” Starmer said.
