Sunak stresses ‘importance of upholding democratic values’ at Netanyahu meeting
During Friday's meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu, Rishi Sunak also 'outlined international concern at growing tensions in the West Bank and the risk of undermining efforts towards the two state solution'.
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
Rishi Sunak has raised concerns with Benjamin Netanyahu over his plans to overhaul the Israeli judiciary during their meeting at Downing Street.
In a statement following Friday’s talks, Downing Street confirmed: “The prime minister stressed the importance of upholding the democratic values that underpin our relationship, including in the proposed judicial reforms in Israel.”
It was also confirmed that Sunak “expressed his solidarity with Israel in the face of terrorist attacks in recent months.”
The UK PM told Netanyahu:”The UK would always stand with Israel and its ability to defend itself.”
But the statement added: “At the same time, the PM outlined international concern at growing tensions in the West Bank and the risk of undermining efforts towards the two state solution.
“He encouraged all efforts to de-escalate, particularly ahead of the upcoming religious holidays.”
The talks also saw the two leaders welcome the signing of the UK-Israel 2030 Roadmap earlier this this week.
It is claimed the agreement “will drive our bilateral relationship forward and commit £20m in funding for joint science and technology projects over the next decade.”
During the 30-minute-long meeting, the two leaders were also said to have “expressed their backing for a modern free-trade agreement with cutting-edge service provisions and said their teams would work to progress this at pace.”
It was added:“The leaders discussed shared security and defence challenges, including Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and the threat posed by Iran to regional stability.
“The Prime Minister set out the UK’s analysis of the situation in Ukraine and the importance of continued international support to defend their sovereignty.
“On Iran, they discussed the UK and Israel’s significant concern about Iran’s destabilising activity, and agreed that our governments would continue to work closely together to push back against aggression and manage the risk of nuclear proliferation.”
Sunak also told Netanyahu he “looked forward to visiting Israel at the earliest opportunity.”
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