Protests during Netanyahu’s visit to London

Amid protests, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived at Downing Street on Friday for talks with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Photos showed Sunak greeting his Israeli counterpart with a handshake in front of the famous black door.

Demonstrators with Israeli flags had gathered in front of the street, which had been closed to the public, to protest the judicial reform pushed by Netanyahu’s government. As the British news agency PA reported, cries of “shame” could be heard, some in Hebrew. A banner described the politician, often referred to as “Bibi”, as a “dictator on the run”.

The British government has released few details about the meeting. The prime minister’s office said the focus was on “the need to form a united international front against Iran to halt its nuclear program”. In addition, the fight against terrorism and the strategic cooperation between the two countries in the field of security and intelligence are discussed. A meeting with British Home Secretary Suella Braverman was also on the agenda.

Critics accuse Netanyahu of jeopardizing Israel’s separation of powers with his judicial reform. They also see it as an attempt by the head of government to shield himself from accusations of corruption.

The head of government initially wanted to leave for London on Thursday. However, he postponed his departure until early Friday morning after renewed mass protests in his country and a speech to the nation that was scheduled at short notice.

(yam/sda/dpa)