Israeli PM concludes discreet visit to London

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu at Downing Street in London, Friday, March 24, 2023. AP - Stefan Rousseau

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Benjamin Netanyahu's secret visit to London. The head of government is expected to return to Israel tonight. First meeting on Friday with Rishi Sunak, the British Prime Minister, to discuss international cooperation. But his internal politics caught up with him in the capital of the United Kingdom.

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With our correspondent in London, Marie Boëda

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Bibi should not expect a relaxing weekend in London " read on placards held up by protesters outside 10 Downing Street and the Israeli Prime Minister's Hotel.

Iran and its nuclear program focus the attention of both leaders. At the heart of their discussion too: security and intelligence cooperation.

On Friday, March 24, they shook hands. This is the only image we could see of their meeting, since the planned photo shoot was canceled. No joint declaration either.

Demonstrators protest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Whitehall, London, Friday, March 24, 2023. AP - Stefan Rousseau

Because this visit is marked by the presence of hundreds of demonstrators from the Jewish community in the streets of London against Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial reform.

The latter, who is on trial for corruption, wants to give his government greater control over judicial appointments.

His bill would allow Parliament to overturn court decisions by a vote. A denial of democracy, denounce the demonstrators, for whom the Prime Minister is leading "a judicial coup d'état transforming this ally of the United Kingdom into a dictatorship".

► Read also Israel: Benjamin Netanyahu defends his reform of justice despite the strong popular protest

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Read on on the same topics:

  • Israel
  • Benjamin Netanyahu
  • United Kingdom
  • Rishi Sunak
  • Diplomacy