Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at a joint news conference with his British counterpart Rishi Sunak on Thursday that his country was fighting an “axis of evil” led by Iran, borrowing a phrase used by former US President George W. Bush. For his part, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who arrived in Tel Aviv hours after the departure of US President Joe Biden, borrowed a phrase associated with Winston Churchill, pledging to support Israel “in its darkest moment” after devastating attack by Hamas on October 7, when 1,400 people were killed. Israelis

“Hamas is the new Nazis, the new ISIS, and we must fight against them together,” Netanyahu said during a press conference held alongside the British prime minister. He added that this is a “battle of the entire civilized world” and on the other hand “an axis of evil led by Iran”, which also includes Hezbollah, according to CNN, according to News.ro.

Israel is waging a “protracted war” and needs Britain’s “constant support,” Benjamin Netanyahu said.

Britain supported “Israel’s right to defend itself under international law,” Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said.

Sunak, who landed in Tel Aviv hours after President Joe Biden’s departure, borrowed a phrase associated with Churchill, pledging to stand by Israel “in its darkest moment.”

“First of all, I am here to express my solidarity with the Israeli people. You have suffered an unspeakable, horrific act of terrorism and I want you to know that the United Kingdom and I are with you,” Sunak told Israeli reporters after landing, according to Reuters.

Later, speaking alongside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he said: “I know you are taking every precaution not to harm civilians, unlike the Hamas terrorists who seek to put civilians at risk.”

But he added his voice to calls to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.

“We absolutely support Israel’s right to defend itself in accordance with international law, pursue Hamas, return hostages, deter further invasions and strengthen your (Israel’s) long-term security,” Sunak told Netanyahu. He added: “We also recognize that the Palestinian people are also victims of Hamas and that is why I welcome your decision yesterday (Wednesday not) to ensure that the routes to Gaza are open for humanitarian aid to flow in.”