Sunak warns Netanyahu: ‘Israel’s diplomatic standing underpins our shared values’
Prime Minister echoes US President Joe Biden in reminding of importance of "checks and balances" to preserve judiciary.
Rishi Sunak has echoed US President Biden in reminding Israel of the importance of democracy for continued diplomatic relations.
In a statement issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, a spokesperson for Rishi Sunak said the UK’s “strong relationship with Israel has always been underpinned by our shared democratic values.
It continued: “While Israel’s exact constitutional arrangements are a matter for Israelis, we urge the Israeli government to build consensus and avoid division, ensuring that a robust system of checks and balances and the independence of Israel’s judiciary are preserved.”
Whilst a statement from White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre yesterday emphasised President Biden’s position as “a lifelong friend of Israel”, it also made clear it was “unfortunate” that Monday’s vote on judicial reform “took place with the slimmest possible majority.”
The White House says it understands talks are ongoing and “likely to continue over the coming weeks and months to forge a broader compromise even with the Knesset in recess” and confirmed the US will “continue to support the efforts of President Herzog and other Israeli leaders as they seek to build a broader consensus through political dialogue.”
The White House confirmed plans for a meeting between the US President and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later this year will still go ahead.
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.
