Israel Expresses Solidarity With UK Following Westminster Attack, Vows To 'Fight Terror'

TEL AVIV – Israel condemned the ramming and knife attack in London on Wednesday, offering solidarity with the British people and condolences to the families of the victims.

“Israel expresses its deep shock at the terror attack in London today and its solidarity with the victims and with the people and government of Great Britain. Terror is terror wherever it occurs and we will fight it relentlessly,” Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely said in a statement.

Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon expressed Israel’s support to British Ambassador Matthew Rycroft.

“Israel stands as one with the British people as we all work together to defeat the scourge of terrorism,” Danon said. “We send our condolences and wish a speedy recovery to all those injured.”

President Reuven Rivlin tweeted, “Our thoughts are with the people of London. Terror is a threat to us all and we must stand united against it.”

Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai tweeted a message of solidarity and the city’s municipal headquarters was lit up in the colors of the British flag.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was on a plane coming home from a visit to China when the attack occurred and did not issue a statement.

Israeli Opposition Leader Isaac Herzog tweeted, “My thoughts are with the British people, following the terrible events at Westminster today. I wish a speedy recovery to all those injured.”

Herzog’s father Chaim was a soldier in the British Army during World War II. He later became the president of Israel.

Addressing the House of Commons on Thursday after a minute of silence, May said, “We are not afraid.”

“Let this be the message from this House and this nation today: our values will prevail,” she added.

A knifeman mowed down pedestrians on London’s Westminster Bridge, then attempted to breach the gate to the Houses of Parliament. Five people were killed, including the attacker and an armed police officer, and 20 others were injured.

London’s Metropolitan Police have arrested seven individuals suspected of having connections with the killer.

British Prime Minister Theresa May said on Thursday that the terrorist was British-born and had been investigated for links to Islamic extremism.

The latest Palestinian terror wave in Israel, which began in October 2015, was comprised of car-ramming, stabbing and shooting attacks.