Israel passes law protecting Netanyahu ahead of UK trip

Protesters took to the streets in Israel yesterday against hugely controversial judicial reforms including a law that prevents a prime minister being declared unfit to hold office.

- ALASTAIR JAMIESON

Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing ahead with the changes, which give the government more powers over courts, while he is still facing trial on corruption charges.

The new law to protect Netanyahu passed in an early morning vote 61-47 in Israel's Knesset after a debate that ran through the night.

Thousands waved flags and sounded horns in Tel Aviv, while police sprayed a water cannon and dragged some protesters away as they tried to clear a major highway. A small group burned tires in the street outside a seaport, briefly blocking trucks. Dozens were detained across the country.

The prime minister Rishi Sunak was urged to use a meeting with Netanyahu in London today to raise concerns about human rights and democracy amid the ongoing protests, and violent clashes between Israelis and Palestinians.

Shadow foreign minister and Labour MP Bambos Charalambous told the House of Commons: "In his meeting with prime minister Netanyahu, the prime minister has an option to use Britain's close relationship with Israel to take a clear stance on human rights, respect for international law, and commitments to democracy.