Britain wants to ‘press hard’ for Israel-Saudi ties

Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy called for diplomats to “press hard” for Israel and Saudi Arabia to strike up normal relations, as he was questioned on when the UK will recognise a Palestinian state. Mr Lammy said it would be hard to “achieve that prize” of Israel-Saudi ties without making progress on a two-state peace settlement in the Middle East. He said Britain was working with France and Saudi Arabia on a conference they are hosting in June on the topic.