More than 800 guests, including politicians and representatives from various political parties, gathered in central London for an Israel 75 celebration hosted by Tzipi Hotovely, the Israeli

Ambassador to the UK.

During the event, the business and trade secretary, Kemi Badenoch, delivered a keynote speech in which she emphasized her efforts to negotiate a modern and innovative trade deal between the UK and Israel. Badenoch acknowledged the two countries' positions as leading innovative economies but highlighted the lack of provisions in the existing trade agreement, signed in 1995, to support the current economic landscape.

In a well-received statement, Badenoch pledged that the UK government would ban public bodies from engaging in Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) activities at universities and local authorities. She criticized supporters of such actions against Israel, labeling them as proponents of "the politics of the student union."

Recognizing Israel's remarkable 75-year history marked by strength, resilience, and success against all odds, Badenoch expressed her admiration. Earlier, attendees passed by a demonstration held by around 75 pro-Israel democracy campaigners, who were expressing their opposition to Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial reform program.

Ambassador Hotovely also addressed the attendees, expressing her pride in the UK's unique role in Israel's success story. She highlighted the strong cooperation between the two countries in security and intelligence matters.

The event featured a Middle Eastern-style buffet, as well as entertainment provided by a modern dance troupe and DJs. Prominent political figures attending the celebration included Conservative MP Stephen Crabb, Labour's Sharon Hodgson, and Gavin Stollar, Chair of the Liberal Democrat Friends of Israel. Photo by The State of Israel, Wikimedia commons.