U.K. demonstrators protest Israeli leader’s visit to London

U.K. demonstrators protest Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to London as Mr. Rishi Sunak welcomes him.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak welcomed Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu at his official residence in London on March 24, as protesters shouting “Shame!” in Hebrew demonstrated against the Israeli leader’s right-wing policies and his plans to overhaul the country’s judiciary.

Mr. Netanyahu had to pass by hundreds of protesters waving Israeli flags and waving signs calling for the defense of Israeli democracy as he arrived for talks that are expected to focus on concerns about Iran’s nuclear programme.

“We are Israelis and Jews living in the U.K. demonstrating against Prime Minister Netanyahu, who is leading a judicial coup turning Israel into a dictatorship,” one placard read.

Mr. Netanyahu arrived in London as protesters in Israel blocked roads and clashed with police over his right-wing government’s plans to overhaul the judicial system. The proposals have ignited the biggest protests in the country’s history amid rare dissent from people throughout Israeli society, including military reservists, navy veterans, high-tech businesspeople and former officials.

Mr. Netanyahu’s proposals would give his government more control over judicial appointments, weaken the Supreme Court by limiting judicial review of legislation and allow Parliament to overturn court decisions with a simple majority vote.

The Israeli government has also been criticised for its hard-line policy toward Palestinians, including recent comments by a government minister who denied the existence of the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination.

The British government has released little information about Mr. Sunak’s talks with Mr. Netanyahu and no news conference has been scheduled for the two leaders. Mr. Netanyahu’s office said the talks with Mr. Sunak and other British officials would centre on the rapidly advancing nuclear programme of Israel’s archenemy, Iran.