Sunak urges Netanyahu to uphold democratic values in judicial reform
The British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, stressed Friday to his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, the "importance of defending democratic values" in the judicial reform that he is pursuing in Israel, in a meeting that both held in London. "The Prime Minister stressed the importance of defending the democratic values that underpin our relationship, including the judicial reforms proposed in Israel," said a statement released by the official Downing Street residence.
The meeting, which took place in a "secure" location at the residence, according to British sources, came amid protests in London and weeks of protests in Israel over planned legislative reforms to the judiciary.
Israel's attorney general, Gali Baharav-Miara, today informed Netanyahu that his direct involvement in his government's judicial reform plan is "illegal" because it is a "conflict of interest" and violates the agreement he signed to be able to govern with an ongoing corruption trial. Baharav-Miara's letter was sent just hours after Netanyahu announced in a televised message to the nation last night that he would take the reins and be directly involved in every step of the controversial legislation.
In the interview between Sunak and Netanyahu, the two prime ministers also discussed "Iran's destabilising activity" and the war in Ukraine, as well as security and defence challenges. "They addressed the UK and Israel's grave concerns about Iran's destabilising activity and agreed that our governments will continue to work closely together to roll back aggression and address the risk of nuclear proliferation," Downing Street said.
According to Netanyahu's office, who invited Netanyahu to visit Israel, Netanyahu thanked Sunak for his "resolute position" on Iran's nuclear programme, adding that "the major powers must increase pressure and deterrence on Iran". In addition, Sunak expressed solidarity with Israel in the face of the terrorist attacks of recent months: "The UK will always support Israel and its ability to defend itself". "At the same time, the Prime Minister described international concern about rising tensions in the West Bank and the risk of undermining efforts towards a two-state solution (Israel and Palestine). He encouraged all efforts to reduce tension quickly," the statement added.
The two Prime Ministers also discussed cooperation on security, intelligence and economic issues, and agreed to establish a strategic dialogue led by their respective national security advisors. Last Tuesday, the UK and Israel signed a "historic agreement" aimed at deepening bilateral ties in technology, trade and security, which will define bilateral ties until 2030.
