Netanyahu confirms UK visit to mark Balfour centenary celebrations
Israel's prime minister is 'looking forward' to a UK trip in November, where he'll mark the 100-year anniversary of the Balfour Declaration
Justin Cohen is the News Editor at the Jewish News
Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed for the first time he will take part in events in London marking the centenary of the Balfour Declaration.
The Israeli prime minister said he was “looking forward” to the trip in November and enhancing bilateral cooperation after being formally invited by Theresa May last month.
His confirmation came ahead of talks with Boris Johnson in Jerusalem. The foreign secretary is in the country for his first full visit since taking on the role, during which he also met President Reuven Rivlin and Labour chief Isaac Herzog as well Peace Now.
Described May’s government as “rock-like supporters” of Israel, Johnson told Netanyahu: “I should remind you the policy of our government is for a two-state solution and we hope to help bring it about in a modest and humble way. Obviously we want to remove the obstacles to that.”
He said ensuring Israelis were not subjected to terrorism was “our absolute priority” while also stressed the need to address the settlements. He said: “I think – and I know you agree – there is an opportunity. I think this have changed in the world. I know you’re flying a great deal and talking to people across the world and this chance to look at this issue afresh.”
Welcoming the creation of a new working group to pave the way for a post-Brexit trade deal, he added: “We are the biggest European trading partner with Israel. You’re huge contributors to the UK economy.”
Netanyahu said: “It’s evident we agree on most things but not all things.” He insisted that, rather than settlements, the reason for the lack of peace was “the persistent refusal to recognise a nation state for the Jewish people in any boundaries. I think if you want to solve a problem go to the core of it.”
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.
