Netanyahu meets chief rabbi and politicians on whistle-stop UK tour

Israel’s former prime minister and now leader of the Opposition, Benjamin Netanyahu, paid a flying visit to London this week, meeting communal leaders and politicians — right in the middle of the Conservative process of choosing a new leader to replace Prime Minister Boris Johnson..

Mr Netanyahu described his trip as an “official” visit, although the Israeli embassy was not handling his schedule.

The politician, who was prime minister for 12 years and hopes to resume power after the November elections, arrived in Britain on Friday, accompanied by his wife Sara.

During his visit Mr Netanyahu was the keynote speaker at a Magen David Adom UK breakfast, attended by the MDA Israel director general Eli Bin, and Israel’s ambassador to the UK, Tzipi Hotovely.

Ms Hotovely — a former Likud MK and minister in Mr Netanyahu’s government — also attended a meeting he addressed at the Policy Exchange think tank.

After his keynote address, Mr Netanyahu took part in a discussion on economics, foreign policy and security.

He was able to renew acquaintance with an old friend, Home Secretary Priti Patel, as well as holding a meeting with Chancellor of the Exchequer Nadim Zahawi, and thanked them both for their “tremendous support” for Israel.

Lord Polak hosted and chaired a meeting in parliament in which the Opposition leader addressed around 40 MPs and peers, discussing Iran, the Abraham Accords and the current state of relations with the UK.

Before returning home, Mr Netanyahu visited Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis for a private meeting.

Jewish News understands that they discussed Israel-diaspora relations, the importance of Jewish unity both inside and outside Israel, and the opportunities that exist for strengthening Jewish-Muslim relations in the wake of the Abraham Accords.