British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu his fears of escalating tensions in the West Bank and undermining the two-state solution.
A spokesman for the British Prime Minister’s office said that he raised the issue of Netanyahu’s judicial reform during their meeting in London on Friday.
“The prime minister stressed the importance of upholding the democratic values upon which our relationship is based, including the proposed judicial reforms in Israel,” Sunak’s office added.
Anti-Netanyahu protests in London
Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Facebook account stated that the two sides agreed to launch a strategic dialogue to enhance cooperation in the fields of security, intelligence and economy. The Israeli Prime Minister invited his British counterpart to pay an official visit to Israel.
In the context, hundreds of protesters screamed and whistled upon Netanyahu’s arrival at the British Prime Minister’s residence at 10 Downing Street today, Friday, as angry opposition over his plans to reform the judicial system followed him to London.
Netanyahu has faced weeks of mass protests against attempts by his ruling coalition of religious and nationalist parties to push through changes to the judicial system that would give the government decisive influence over judges and limit the Supreme Court’s power to overturn laws.
The move caused concern at home and abroad about democratic norms and balances in Israel.
Netanyahu is also scheduled to meet British Home Secretary Soyla Braverman.
