Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held his first meeting with his British counterpart Rishi Sunak in London on Friday, after arriving at Downing Street to throngs of protesters.
The UK Prime Minister greeted his guest at the steps of No 10 with a handshake.
Hundreds of critics of Mr Netanyahu's coalition government's sweeping proposals to overhaul the judiciary descended on Whitehall on Friday morning ahead of his arrival.
Some held banners referring to him as a “dictator” while shouts of “traitor” could be heard from protesters holding Israeli flags.
A separate group of demonstrators waving Palestinian flags staged a protest outside the gates of Downing Street.
As Mr Sunak shook his guest's hand, loud shouts of “shame” in Hebrew could be heard coming from the crowds.
Sunak 'stresses importance of democracy'
Downing Street confirmed Mr Sunak had broached the subject of judicial reforms in Israel with Mr Netanyahu.
“The Prime Minister stressed the importance of upholding the democratic values that underpin our relationship, including in the proposed judicial reforms in Israel,” Mr Sunak's office said.
Britain's leader also “expressed his solidarity with Israel in the face of terrorist attacks in recent months” and stressed the UK’s support for its ally’s right to defend itself.
“At the same time, the PM outlined international concern at growing tensions in the West Bank and the risk of undermining efforts towards the two state solution,” Mr Sunak's office said.
“He encouraged all efforts to de-escalate, particularly ahead of the coming religious holidays.”
During their meeting, which lasted about an hour, they discussed shared security and defence challenges including the Iran nuclear threat and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“On Iran, they discussed the UK and Israel’s significant concern about Iran’s destabilising activity, and agreed that our governments would continue to work closely together to push back against aggression and manage the risk of nuclear proliferation.”
Mr Sunak and Mr Netanyahu expressed an interest in striking a “modern free-trade agreement with cutting-edge service provisions” and pledged to direct their teams to work “at pace” to achieve this.
Earlier, Mr Netanyahu’s office said he expected to focus on “the Iranian issue” with the UK Prime Minister, seeking to form “a united international front against Iran to stop its nuclear programme”.
“The two are also expected to discuss strengthening the strategic ties between Israel and the United Kingdom, and increasing security and intelligence co-operation,” the Israeli Prime Minister's office said.
Mr Netanyahu was afterwards expected to meet Home Secretary Suella Braverman to discuss measures to deal with “global terrorism”, it said.
In Israel, protesters have blocked major roads and scuffled with police in recent weeks as demonstrations sweep across the nation.
After a series of scandals involving wealthy associates, Mr Netanyahu is on trial for fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes. He denies wrongdoing.
Critics say his government, the most right-wing in Israel’s history, is dragging the nation towards authoritarianism by upending its system of checks and balances.
British Jews voice concerns
Gideon Delayahu stood outside Downing Street holding a banner that read: “Democracy”.
He said he had fears about the direction Mr Netanyahu appears to be taking Israel in.
Originally from Tel Aviv, Mr Delayahu has lived in London for 23 years but still owns assets in Israel and wants his children to be able to live there if they wish when they are older.
He views Mr Netanyahu’s proposals as a “betrayal of the democratic contract” he has with the electorate.
“They’re bringing in undemocratic rule,” he told The National. “I am extremely worried about it. It’s on a knife-edge.”
“I want my children to have a place they can be proud of. I have liberal democratic views and I am gobsmacked by what is happening. I want Israel to be a liberal democracy otherwise no one will want to go there or [do business] there.”
His fellow Londoner Michael Feiner, also originally from Tel Aviv, shared his fears, particularly for the technology industry.
Mr Feiner was among protesters holding banners depicting Mr Netanyahu as a “dictator”. He said that while he believed the Israeli leader was “a democrat in his heart”, he had been “showing signs of dictatorship”.
'Two-state solution is dead'
Chaim Blier was one of several members of the Neturei Karta sect of Haredi Jews who joined pro-Palestinian protesters.
The group do not recognise the state of Israel as legitimate and believe that human attempts to establish Jewish sovereignty over the land are sinful.
Mr Blier, from London’s Stamford Hill community, held a sign condemning the existence of the state of Israel.
One of his comrades held up a banner reading: “Benjamin Netanyahu and the state of Israel do not represent world Jewry.”
“We support the right of the Palestinian people and stand against crimes against humanity,” he told The National.
Jan, a British woman who recently travelled to the West Bank, held a sign that read “Free Palestine” as she huddled among the crowds.
Speaking to The National, the Londoner said while she had always empathised with the Palestinian cause, it became more real for her following her trip.
“I saw what the apartheid system looks like and how Palestinians are living every day,” she explained.
“Some people have to get up at 3am to go through a checkpoint in order to cross to Israel to work.
“I feel like I have to speak out about it. I have written an article about it and I have come here to protest. I don’t support Netanyahu because he is undermining democracy.
“The two-state solution is dead because of the [Israeli] settlements and theft of land. I would like to see a one-state solution with equal rights for Israelis and Palestinians.”
Mr Netanyahu landed in London early on Friday amid political turmoil in his own country. There is a huge amount of discontent among Israeli voters over his government's proposals to shake up the judiciary.
He and his allies argue that changes are necessary to diminish the powers of the Supreme Court, which they say has become politicised and is blocking good governance.
But many Israelis see the plan as an attempt to weaken democracy in the country.
UK-Israel road map
Israel's longest-serving prime minister's visit to the UK capital came days after Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen met his British counterpart in the city for talks.
Mr Cohen and British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly signed an agreement to boost trade, defence and security ties between the two nations.
The 2030 Road Map for UK-Israeli relations focuses heavily on technology and includes “shared commitments to tackle the scourge of anti-Semitism”, the UK Foreign Office said.
The Palestinian Mission to the UK, as well as the opposition Labour Party, raised concerns about the deal in the run-up to Mr Netanyahu's visit.
Husam Zomlot, the Palestinian ambassador to Britain, said the UK-Israeli treaty “represents an abdication of the UK’s responsibilities under international law and the UK’s unique historic responsibility for the Palestinian issue”.
Inside%20Out%202
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3EKelsey%20Mann%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%C2%A0Amy%20Poehler%2C%20Maya%20Hawke%2C%20Ayo%20Edebiri%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Know your camel milk:
Flavour: Similar to goat’s milk, although less pungent. Vaguely sweet with a subtle, salty aftertaste.
Texture: Smooth and creamy, with a slightly thinner consistency than cow’s milk.
Use it: In your morning coffee, to add flavour to homemade ice cream and milk-heavy desserts, smoothies, spiced camel-milk hot chocolate.
Goes well with: chocolate and caramel, saffron, cardamom and cloves. Also works well with honey and dates.
AVOID SCAMMERS: TIPS FROM EMIRATES NBD
1. Never respond to e-mails, calls or messages asking for account, card or internet banking details
2. Never store a card PIN (personal identification number) in your mobile or in your wallet
3. Ensure online shopping websites are secure and verified before providing card details
4. Change passwords periodically as a precautionary measure
5. Never share authentication data such as passwords, card PINs and OTPs (one-time passwords) with third parties
6. Track bank notifications regarding transaction discrepancies
7. Report lost or stolen debit and credit cards immediately
hall of shame
SUNDERLAND 2002-03
No one has ended a Premier League season quite like Sunderland. They lost each of their final 15 games, taking no points after January. They ended up with 19 in total, sacking managers Peter Reid and Howard Wilkinson and losing 3-1 to Charlton when they scored three own goals in eight minutes.
SUNDERLAND 2005-06
Until Derby came along, Sunderland’s total of 15 points was the Premier League’s record low. They made it until May and their final home game before winning at the Stadium of Light while they lost a joint record 29 of their 38 league games.
HUDDERSFIELD 2018-19
Joined Derby as the only team to be relegated in March. No striker scored until January, while only two players got more assists than goalkeeper Jonas Lossl. The mid-season appointment Jan Siewert was to end his time as Huddersfield manager with a 5.3 per cent win rate.
ASTON VILLA 2015-16
Perhaps the most inexplicably bad season, considering they signed Idrissa Gueye and Adama Traore and still only got 17 points. Villa won their first league game, but none of the next 19. They ended an abominable campaign by taking one point from the last 39 available.
FULHAM 2018-19
Terrible in different ways. Fulham’s total of 26 points is not among the lowest ever but they contrived to get relegated after spending over £100 million (Dh457m) in the transfer market. Much of it went on defenders but they only kept two clean sheets in their first 33 games.
LA LIGA: Sporting Gijon, 13 points in 1997-98.
BUNDESLIGA: Tasmania Berlin, 10 points in 1965-66
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
List of alleged parties
May 15 2020: PM and Carrie attend 'work meeting' with at
least 17 staff members
May 20 2020: PM and Carrie attend 'bring your own booze'
party
Nov 27 2020: PM gives speech at leaving do for his staff
Dec 10 2020: Staff party held by then-education secretary
Gavin Williamson
Dec 13 2020: PM and Carrie throw a flat party
Dec 14 2020: London mayor candidate Shaun Bailey holds staff party at Conservative
Party headquarters
Dec 15 2020: PM takes part in a staff quiz
Dec 18 2020: Downing Street Christmas party
What are the influencer academy modules?
- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
- Cinematography, shots and movement.
- All aspects of post-production.
- Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
- Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
- Tourism industry knowledge.
- Professional ethics.
Genesis G80 2020 5.0-litre Royal Specs
Engine: 5-litre V8
Gearbox: eight-speed automatic
Power: 420hp
Torque: 505Nm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.4L/100km
Price: Dh260,500
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Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDirect%20Debit%20System%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Sept%202017%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20UAE%20with%20a%20subsidiary%20in%20the%20UK%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20FinTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Undisclosed%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Elaine%20Jones%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Why the Tourist Club?
Originally, The Club (which many people chose to call the “British Club”) was the only place where one could use the beach with changing rooms and a shower, and get refreshments.
In the early 1970s, the Government of Abu Dhabi wanted to give more people a place to get together on the beach, with some facilities for children. The place chosen was where the annual boat race was held, which Sheikh Zayed always attended and which brought crowds of locals and expatriates to the stretch of beach to the left of Le Méridien and the Marina.
It started with a round two-storey building, erected in about two weeks by Orient Contracting for Sheikh Zayed to use at one these races. Soon many facilities were planned and built, and members were invited to join.
Why it was called “Nadi Al Siyahi” is beyond me. But it is likely that one wanted to convey the idea that this was open to all comers. Because there was no danger of encountering alcohol on the premises, unlike at The Club, it was a place in particular for the many Arab expatriate civil servants to join. Initially the fees were very low and membership was offered free to many people, too.
Eventually there was a skating rink, bowling and many other amusements.
Frauke Heard-Bey is a historian and has lived in Abu Dhabi since 1968.
HOW TO WATCH
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Countdown to Zero exhibition will show how disease can be beaten
Countdown to Zero: Defeating Disease, an international multimedia exhibition created by the American Museum of National History in collaboration with The Carter Center, will open in Abu Dhabi a month before Reaching the Last Mile.
Opening on October 15 and running until November 15, the free exhibition opens at The Galleria mall on Al Maryah Island, and has already been seen at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum in Atlanta, the American Museum of Natural History in New York, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
more from Janine di Giovanni
ETFs explained
Exhchange traded funds are bought and sold like shares, but operate as index-tracking funds, passively following their chosen indices, such as the S&P 500, FTSE 100 and the FTSE All World, plus a vast range of smaller exchanges and commodities, such as gold, silver, copper sugar, coffee and oil.
ETFs have zero upfront fees and annual charges as low as 0.07 per cent a year, which means you get to keep more of your returns, as actively managed funds can charge as much as 1.5 per cent a year.
There are thousands to choose from, with the five biggest providers BlackRock’s iShares range, Vanguard, State Street Global Advisors SPDR ETFs, Deutsche Bank AWM X-trackers and Invesco PowerShares.
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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UAE
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ENGLAND SQUAD
Team: 15 Mike Brown, 14 Anthony Watson, 13 Ben Te'o, 12 Owen Farrell, 11 Jonny May, 10 George Ford, 9 Ben Youngs, 1 Mako Vunipola, 2 Dylan Hartley, 3 Dan Cole, 4 Joe Launchbury, 5 Maro Itoje, 6 Courtney Lawes, 7 Chris Robshaw, 8 Sam Simmonds
Replacements 16 Jamie George, 17 Alec Hepburn, 18 Harry Williams, 19 George Kruis, 20 Sam Underhill, 21 Danny Care, 22 Jonathan Joseph, 23 Jack Nowell
Secret Nation: The Hidden Armenians of Turkey
Avedis Hadjian, (IB Tauris)
TOURNAMENT INFO
Women’s World Twenty20 Qualifier
Jul 3- 14, in the Netherlands
The top two teams will qualify to play at the World T20 in the West Indies in November
UAE squad
Humaira Tasneem (captain), Chamani Seneviratne, Subha Srinivasan, Neha Sharma, Kavisha Kumari, Judit Cleetus, Chaya Mughal, Roopa Nagraj, Heena Hotchandani, Namita D’Souza, Ishani Senevirathne, Esha Oza, Nisha Ali, Udeni Kuruppuarachchi
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
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WHY%20AAYAN%20IS%20'PERFECT%20EXAMPLE'
%3Cp%3EDavid%20White%20might%20be%20new%20to%20the%20country%2C%20but%20he%20has%20clearly%20already%20built%20up%20an%20affinity%20with%20the%20place.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3EAfter%20the%20UAE%20shocked%20Pakistan%20in%20the%20semi-final%20of%20the%20Under%2019%20Asia%20Cup%20last%20month%2C%20White%20was%20hugged%20on%20the%20field%20by%20Aayan%20Khan%2C%20the%20team%E2%80%99s%20captain.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3EWhite%20suggests%20that%20was%20more%20a%20sign%20of%20Aayan%E2%80%99s%20amiability%20than%20anything%20else.%20But%20he%20believes%20the%20young%20all-rounder%2C%20who%20was%20part%20of%20the%20winning%20Gulf%20Giants%20team%20last%20year%2C%20is%20just%20the%20sort%20of%20player%20the%20country%20should%20be%20seeking%20to%20produce%20via%20the%20ILT20.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%9CHe%20is%20a%20delightful%20young%20man%2C%E2%80%9D%20White%20said.%20%E2%80%9CHe%20played%20in%20the%20competition%20last%20year%20at%2017%2C%20and%20look%20at%20his%20development%20from%20there%20till%20now%2C%20and%20where%20he%20is%20representing%20the%20UAE.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%9CHe%20was%20influential%20in%20the%20U19%20team%20which%20beat%20Pakistan.%20He%20is%20the%20perfect%20example%20of%20what%20we%20are%20all%20trying%20to%20achieve%20here.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%9CIt%20is%20about%20the%20development%20of%20players%20who%20are%20going%20to%20represent%20the%20UAE%20and%20go%20on%20to%20help%20make%20UAE%20a%20force%20in%20world%20cricket.%E2%80%9D%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
