Israeli President Reuven Rivlin has thanked David Cameron for his stance on tackling Islamist extremism .

Mr Rivlin told a delegation of British MPs at a meeting in Jerusalem on Wednesday that terrorism was a common problem facing both countries.

The British group was led by Sir Eric Pickles in his first visit to the country as chairman of Conservative Friends of Israel. Sir Eric said the Israeli president had expressed his thanks for Mr Cameron's pledge last week to tackle antisemitism as a root cause of Islamism.

The session was a highlight, he said, of the five-day visit. "President Rivlin gave a tour de force, talking about everything from the growth of Chinese investment to the environment, the Iran deal, the situation in Gaza. It was very impressive."

The MPs met Israeli counterparts, including Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid and Knesset member Hilik Bar. They also spent time visiting Palestinian children being treated at a hospital in Holon by the charity Save a Child's Heart. "The hospital was terrific," Sir Eric said. "Here you have people coming across from Gaza, and getting the best treatment you could get anywhere in the world."

The delegation also visited the town of Sderot on the Gaza border, the target of Hamas rockets during the Gaza conflict

Officers appointed to CFI since May's election include Hertsmere MP Oliver Dowden, South Derbyshire MP Heather Wheeler and Dame Angela Watkinson.