To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a webbrowser thatsupports HTML5video
Shouts of ‘shame’ could be heard from the steps of No 10 Downing Street today.
Protesters had gathered ahead of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit with Rishi Sunak.
The pair’s meeting surrounds judicial overhauls in Israel, which could protect Mr Netanyahu from being deemed unfit to rule.
Critics say such a move could drag the nation towards autocracy.
Shouts of ‘shame’ in Hebrew could be heard ringing out across Westminster as protesters held placards which stated their aim of ‘saving Israeli democracy’.
A sign held opposite the gates of Downing Street dubbed Mr Netanyahu as a ‘dictator on the run’.
Protesters campaigning for Palestinian human rights also protested the visit.
An Amnesty International activist wearing a Netanyahu mask carried a sign reading ‘I love apartheid’.
Critics say the law proposed by Mr Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition is tailor-made to shield the leader from a corruption trial.
He has previously denied minority rights would be affected by the new plans, saying he has ‘both hands on the steering wheel’.
Mr Netanyahu is on trial for fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes after a series of scandals which involved wealthy associates.
Protesters believe the government, the most right-wing in Israel’s history, is dragging the nation towards authoritarianism by upending its system of checks and balances.
It comes as scuffles with police broke out over recent weeks and traffic was blocked as protests have also swept across Israel.
Part of the demonstrations have been focused on embassies and the country’s main airport, as Mr Netanyahu has paid a series of visits to European capitals amid growing political turmoil at home.
At a cabinet meeting held on Sunday the Israeli leader said his country would not accept ‘anarchy’ from protesters.
‘There are those who are calling for the blocking of highways, for military refusal, for blood in the streets, and to attack public figures. We will not accept this. We will not accept violence by any side,’ Mr Netanyahu said.
Mr Netanyahu’s office said he expects to focus on ‘the Iranian issue’ with Rishi Sunak and seeks to form ‘a united international front against Iran in order to stop its nuclear programme’.
‘The two are also expected to discuss strengthening the strategic ties between Israel and the United Kingdom and increasing security and intelligence co-operation,’ a statement said.
Mr Netanyahu will also meet with home secretary Suella Braverman to discuss dealing with ‘global terrorism’, the statement added.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected].
For more stories like this, check our news page.
Source: Read Full Article