Israel says French, UK top diplomats will visit tomorrow to discuss avoiding conflagration

The foreign ministers of France and Britain will visit Israel tomorrow and meet Foreign Minister Israel Katz to discuss efforts to prevent a regional escalation, Katz’s ministry says in a statement.

The tripartite meeting between Katz, David Lammy and Stephane Sejourne is also set to touch on efforts to reach a hostage deal, with Katz set to tout the need to impose harsh sanctions on Iran over its nuclear, missile and drone programs, and to declare its Revolutionary Guards a terrorist organization.

The meeting and the trips aren’t initially confirmed by the UK and French ministries, though Sky News cites a diplomatic source saying Lammy will indeed fly in tomorrow.

The British Foreign Ministry does provide a statement from Lammy saying the UK is urging partners in the Middle East to “choose peace.”

“We are at a crucial moment for global stability. The coming hours and days could define the future of the Middle East,” Lammy says, reiterating his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. “The UK will continue to use every diplomatic lever to bring about a ceasefire.”