Because Patel, a cabinet minister at the time, had made the unofficial prior appointments, it made Burt’s official visit less important in Israeli eyes and angered the British Foreign Office. The Foreign Office dispute that Patel’s meeting with Netanyahu was mentioned at this meeting. Burt’s three-day visit to Palestine and Israel, from 21 to 24 August, was an important one for the minister at a time of great political sensitivity in the Middle East. No officials were present at Patel’s meetings, other than the Conservative Friends of Israel president, Lord Polak. Next Wednesday, the foreign affairs select committee will be taking evidence from the Foreign Office’s permanent secretary, Sir Simon McDonald, allowing MPs to examine who knew what and when about Patel’s meetings.

Source: The Guardian November 09, 2017 18:55 UTC