Priti Patel suggested that the UK should give aid to the Israeli army after a string of secret meetings with leading figures in Israel, including Benjamin Netanyahu.

The International Development Secretary apologised yesterday after holding 12 meetings in 12 days during a "family holiday" in Israel. She was reprimanded by the Prime Minister in Downing Street on Monday and "reminded of her obligations".

The BBC revealed that after the meetings Mrs Patel asked her officials to see if Britain could support humanitarian operations being conducted by the Israeli army in the Occupied Golan Heights area.

The Foreign Office is said to have advised that since Britain did not officially recognise Israel's annexation of the area, it would have been difficult Dfid to work there.

The Prime Minister's Official spokesman said: "I think the Secretary of State did discuss potential ways to provide medical support for Syrian refugees who are wounded who cross into Golan. The Israeli army runs field hospitals there to care for civilians wounded in the civil war.

"But there is no change in policy in this area. The UK does not provide any financial support to the Israeli army."