Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu Jeered by Protesters During Downing Street Visit For Talks With Rishi Sunak

The Israel prime minister’s visit to Britain threatens to be overshadowed by controversial judicial changes back home, which have sparked mass protests across the country.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu faced noisy protests as he met Rishi Sunak in Downing Street, with uproar over his domestic legal overhaul that critics argue will destroy democracy.

Shouts of “shame” in Hebrew and jeers of hundreds of demonstrators in Whitehall could easily be heard as Mr Netanyahu shook hands with his UK host outside Number 10.

One sign branded Mr Netanyahu a “dictator on the run”, while there was chanting of: “Netanyahu go to jail, you can’t speak for Israel”.

His controversial judicial changes in Israel have sparked mass protests at home and threaten to overshadow his visit to Britain.

He had delayed his departure to the UK to deal with the political crisis.

The unrest comes after Mr Netanyahu’s right-wing nationalist coalition approved legislation that would protect him from being deemed unfit to rule.

Opponents argue the law is tailor-made to protect the leader from corruption charges.

After a series of scandals involving wealthy associates, Mr Netanyahu is on trial for fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes.

He denies any wrongdoing.