The former commander of British Forces in Afghanistan has praised the Israeli army and said the British Army has learnt important lessons from it.

Retired Colonel Richard Kemp said some policies by the British Army have been formed "as a direct result" of consultation with its Israeli counterpart.

Speaking at an event held by the Zionist Federation, Colonel Kemp made his comments as royal sculptor Frances Segelman completed a bust of him at a fundraising event for BLESMA (British Limbless Ex-Servicemen Association) and the Shalom Foundation, a children's charity.

Col Kemp said: "The IDF does as much as the British Army, if not more, to safeguard local civilians.

"It only uses force when it has to.

"All the arguments thrown around in the international press that Israel does not take care in this are not
accurate.

"I have seen it through my own eyes and through my dealings with the top level of the Israeli army.

"Some of the policies of the British Army have been formed as a result of information given by the Israeli army such as their policy on terrorist bombs. The British Army didn't have that much experience and expertise in that area. The Israeli army has been incredibly helpful and open."