Tel Aviv – Netanyahu: Israel warned the UK about the suspected attack near the “RAF Fairford” base

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated today that Israel had given Britain intelligence information about a suspected, Iran-backed attack near the “RAF Fairford” military base, before London imposed trade restrictive measures on Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

In an interview for the American television “Fox News,” Netanyahu criticised the British government for imposing trade measures on Israel, emphasising that, according to him, this happened immediately after Israel had shared with the British authorities information about a suspected Iran-backed attack.

Britain announced a ban on trade with some Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, in response to the expansion of those settlements.

This decision caused a diplomatic clash between the British and Israeli governments.

The incident near “RAF Fairford” occurred during the weekend.

Five British citizens in their 20s were arrested near the base, on suspicion of offences related to terrorism, and were later released on bail, while the investigation continues.

Police said a quantity of petrol was found in their vehicles, but no explosives were found.

The British prime minister, Andy Burnham, stated that there are “strong indications” that Iran played a role in the incident, but emphasised that the police investigation is still ongoing.

Iran has denied any involvement.