Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to visit London for an official visit next week, according to an announcement made by his office on Friday. The trip, which is expected to
take place on Thursday, will last for two days, with Netanyahu returning on Saturday evening after Shabbat. The purpose of the visit and details of his itinerary have not yet been revealed.
While the British side has not confirmed Netanyahu's visit, he had spoken to UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in January, and they had agreed to meet in person soon. This trip to London marks Netanyahu's third visit to a European capital in as many weeks, following his visit to Berlin earlier this week and his stay in Rome last weekend.
However, Netanyahu's visit to London coincides with the start of Ramadan, which has raised concerns about potential violence. Tensions between Israel and Palestine have frequently flared up during the Islamic holy month.
The announcement of Netanyahu's visit to London comes on the heels of his return from Berlin, where he was met with protests against his government's push to overhaul the Israeli judiciary. While in Germany, Netanyahu reassured German Chancellor Olaf Scholz that Israel is a liberal democracy and will remain so. Chancellor Scholz urged Netanyahu to consider an alternative judicial reform plan proposed by President Isaac Herzog, expressing great concern about the ongoing debate.
Netanyahu's visit to London is expected to focus on strengthening the already strong relationship between Israel and the United Kingdom. The two countries have enjoyed a close relationship, with the UK being one of Israel's biggest allies in Europe. The visit is also expected to address the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, as well as other regional and global issues.
The visit comes at a crucial time for Israel as it navigates through a period of political turmoil. Netanyahu's coalition government is facing challenges from both the opposition and the judiciary. In recent months, his government has been accused of corruption, and the opposition has been calling for his resignation. Netanyahu has maintained his innocence and has refused to step down.
While in London, Netanyahu is expected to meet with government officials and business leaders to discuss issues such as trade, investment, and innovation. The UK is Israel's second-largest trading partner in Europe, with bilateral trade totaling around $11 billion in 2020. The two countries are also working together on a range of research and development initiatives, particularly in the field of science and technology.
Overall, Netanyahu's visit to London is expected to be a significant event in the ongoing relationship between Israel and the United Kingdom. The visit provides an opportunity for both countries to strengthen their ties and address the challenges facing the region and the world. It is also an opportunity for Netanyahu to reassure his supporters at home and abroad that he is committed to securing Israel's future and strengthening its position in the global community. Photo by U.S. Embassy Tel Aviv, Wikimedia commons.