Theresa May rejects Jeremy Corbyn’s call for probe into Israeli influence in UK politics

Shai Masot, an Israeli embassy employee, was secretly filmed discussing his intention to “take down” British MPs, including Sir Alan Duncan, the Foreign Office Minister.

Mark Regev, Israel’s ambassador in London, apologised and described Mr Masot’s comments as “completely unacceptable”.

But the footage led to a major row between pro-Israel groups and diplomats over how an undercover reporter was able to infiltrate private meetings.

Mr Corbyn had claimed the episode constituted “a national security issue”.

“It is only on [the basis of an investigation] that Parliament and the public will be reassured that such activities will not be tolerated by your government," he wrote to Mrs May.

But a government spokesman told the JC today: “The Israeli Ambassador has apologised and is clear these comments do not reflect the views of the Embassy or Government of Israel.

“The UK has a strong relationship with Israel and we consider the matter closed.”