We regret to announce that in light of Friday's tragedies in Paris and the concomitant heightened security threats, Yiftah Curiel has had to cancel the event tonight. University Security, Oxfordshire Police and the Embassy's security team have been in talks and concluded that this would be the most prudent decision to take.

We are hoping to reschedule the event, and will keep you informed as to any future plans. Apologies for the inconvenience.

Yiftah Curiel is a career diplomat, currently Israel's chief spokesperson in the UK. Prior to joining the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Curiel studied Law and Political Science and worked as a journalist. He has since served as Deputy-Chief-of-Mission at Israel’s embassy in Addis Ababa, and as Spokesperson and Cultural Attaché at the Israeli mission in Buenos Aires. His previous position at the MFA in Jerusalem was within the Strategic Affairs Division, as deputy director of the department for non-proliferation of WMDs, dealing with the Iranian nuclear program, as well as weapons transfers across the Middle-East. 

Mr Curiel's talk will explore current issues such as the current tensions over the Temple Mount and al-Aqasa, as well as broader themes such as Israel's counter-terrorism policy and the viability of the two-state solution. He will also address wider issues for the Middle east such as the impact of reducing sanctions on Iran.

For security reasons this event will be open to bod card holders only. It will cost £2 for non-members and be FREE for IR Soc members. Seating for the event may take longer than usual so arrive in advance to guarantee a place. The event will be followed by a drinks reception, at which we will also celebrate the launch of IR Soc's journal, Sir. This term's edition is on 'Barriers', and there will be copies available.