Skip to main content

UK's Sunak cancels appearance with Netanyahu as Israelis rally in London

Amid protests in London against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial overhaul push, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak canceled a planned joint press conference.
Britain's Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak (L), greets Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Downing Street on March 24, 2023 in London, England. Benjamin Netanyahu visits London against a backdrop of unrest at home. Protests are being held weekly across Israel against legislation being pushed through the Knesset by his government to restrain the judiciary. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak canceled his joint presser with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu scheduled for Friday on the backdrop of the latter’s commitment to continuing his judicial overhaul.

Hundreds of protesters including Israelis living in London and British Jews gathered Friday morning outside the office of the British premier on 10 Downing Street, calling on Netanyahu to back off the judicial reform. Demonstrators shouted “Shame!" in Hebrew as Netanyahu's convoy arrived. They held signs saying “Dictators are not welcome,” and “Sunak, do not let Bibi turn Israel into another Iran.”

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.