BICOM

When Prime Minister Netanyahu met Prime Minister May, there were several significant issues on their agenda, chiefly; strengthening trade; hi-tech innovation; and the blossoming bilateral relationship. There are also serious regional strategic issues that require a reassessment in a Trump world; Iranian belligerence; and shared concern of the ongoing tragedy in Syria.

However, Netanyahu has a range of domestic concerns that make a trip to London particularly appealing at this time. Although he won’t refer to it directly, the ongoing investigations into three separate corruption scandals are weighing heavily on his mind. He also has political challenges within his right-wing coalition, particularly regarding a range of potential legislation that challenges the status quo in the West Bank. Finally, there is an opportunity later this year to further enhance Israel-UK ties around the centenary of the Balfour declaration.

Here are three further reasons why it’s convenient for Netanyahu to come to the UK this week.

1) It is just possible that one of these investigations may precipitate his downfall.

Highly unlikely but nevertheless possible, even distinguished political rivals on the left and the centre wryly note that nobody wins with another Prime Minister defending criminal charges. More so, for all his sins they may not reach a legal threshold that justifies bringing down a Prime Minister.

The truth is Netanyahu has suffered a credibility deficit in the international community from the start of his term in 2009, even though, if you judge him on his key acts in that term, he acted as the West would have wanted. It’s worth recalling he made his Bar Ilan speech, which recognised the two-state solution, and even followed up with a ten-month building moratorium across the West Bank. Then, during the Peace process led by Secretary Kerry, he released close to three-quarters of the pre-Oslo prisoners. During those negotiations, according to Dennis Ross, Bibi was in the ZOPA: Zone Of Possible Agreement. Privately he would agree to ‘67 plus swaps.

Netanyahu does not get credit for two more key achievements. He has carefully navigated the regional upheaval very well. You only need to see the nature of all Israeli neighbours to understand the importance of the alliances with Jordan and Egypt. Just look at all the other borders and understand the alternative.

Secondly, the economy: well insulated, fiscally responsible – broadly. All that on the back of near-dysfunctional, but ever so fun and real, democratic experience.

Still, in this uncertain world, he could get indicted late this year and best get these trips in now.

2) His second main concern in life is Naftali Bennett and renegade Likudniks.

The timing of this trip is a convenient and appropriate moment to take the pulse of another important ally with regard to settlement expansion in parts of the West Bank. Bibi came out full gusto at last week’s cabinet meeting in support of the bill that seeks to retroactively legalise other until-now-illegal outposts, so the Amona evacuation experience will not be repeated. With Amona images still fresh in people’s consciousness, a change of scene – travelling to London to distance himself from Judea and Samaria for a few days – is no bad thing.

The meeting with President Trump next week will give the clearest indication of how much settlement growth and even annexation will be acceptable to the White House. It will be useful to gauge 10 Downing Street’s impressions too.

3) One could speculate that conversations will also be had to see if there will be a big event, or even a high profile visit, around the centenary of Balfour.

The Israeli government is proudly marking several key anniversaries this year, including 120 years since the first Zionist Congress. The Balfour centenary stands out as a key landmark achievement in gaining international support for the idea of a Jewish homeland, an act worthy of celebration. Presumably some decisions should be made soon; today’s meeting is an ideal opportunity for the principles to make decisions.

Richard Pater is Director of BICOM in Israel.