Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has held talks with Yair Lapid, Israel’s opposition leader in the Knesset, in a meeting designed to increase dialogue and co-operation between the two mainstream centrist parties.

After the virtual meeting, which was organised by the Liberal Friends of Israel (LDFI) group, Sir Ed told the JC it was “refreshing” to hear the Yesh Atid leader’s “vision for a brighter future for the wider Middle East”.

During the exchange this week, both leaders expressed concerns over the rise of populism and political divisiveness and stressed their aspirations to open dialogue with like-minded political parties elsewhere in the world.

Invitations were also exchanged for respective visits once the coronavirus pandemic is over. Both leaders emphasised their intention to keep in regular contact with each other.

Sir Ed told the JC: “It was a pleasure to speak to Yair. “It was refreshing to receive an insight into his aspirations for a liberal Israel and his vision for a brighter future for the wider Middle East, as opposed to the negative stories we too often hear coming out of the region.

“I hope this is the start of a strong liberal relationship working together to combat populism.”

His Israeli counterpart said: “I was delighted to speak with Sir Ed. Having spent the first four years of my life in the UK, it has a special place in my heart. I look forward to welcoming Ed to Israel, once the Covid-19 crisis is behind us.”

Lord Monroe Palmer, LDFI President, said he would be thrilled to accompany Sir Ed on a delegation to Israel. He would be the first sitting Lib Dem leader to do so.

Mr Lapid has previously served as Minister for Finance in Benjamin Netanyahu’s national unity government. A former journalist, he founded Yesh Atid in 2012. He has called for a resumption of peace talks with the Palestinians. Sir Ed became Lib Dem leader earlier this year and has stressed he wants his party to adopt an unprejudiced approach to the Middle East. He has also vowed to take a no-nonsense approach to antisemitism claims within his party.