'Netanyahu go to jail': Protesters jeer Israel PM during Downing Street visit
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".
He has sparked a backlash over controversial judicial changes in Israel, which has 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.
Israel's attorney-general has accused Mr Netanyahu of breaking the law by ignoring a conflict of interest.
Other reforms being pursued include giving the Jerusalem government sway in choosing judges and curbing the Supreme Court's power to strike down laws.
Supporters have said the plan would rein in judicial overreach and restore balance between the branches of government.
But critics believe it would weaken the courts, threaten civil liberties and harm the economy.
The issue was raised by Mr Sunak during his 45-minute meeting with Mr Netanyahu, during which they also spoke of strengthening ties between the two nations and discussed shared security and defence challenges, including Russia and Iran.
A statement issued by Downing street said: "The prime minister stressed the importance of upholding the democratic values that underpin our relationship, including in the proposed judicial reforms in Israel."