BICOM

Prime Minister David Cameron will today host his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu at Downing Street, with the two leaders poised to discuss strategic challenges and continued bilateral cooperation.

In advance of today’s meeting, a spokesman for the Israeli Embassy in London said that, “The two will discuss diplomatic, strategic and bilateral issues, as well as joint challenges in the fields of security, economics and cyber security.”

Prior to his departure for London, Netanyahu outlined the challenge of extremist Islamism, which he described as “the opposite of modernity … early medievalism, primitive, savage.” He urged that “Europe should support Israel – not pressure Israel, not attack Israel, but support Israel, which is the only real shield that Europe and the Middle East have against extremist Islam, which is surging.”

Netanyahu went on to encourage a shared strategic approach, saying, “We are prepared to act together with Europe in Africa and other places to fight extremist Islam but this requires a change of approach. This change will take time but we will implement it. This will be one focus of my talks with David Cameron.” The importance of confronting radical anti-Western Islamist movements has recently been highlighted by Cameron.

Netanyahu arrived in London yesterday and met with Jewish communal leaders. Simon Johnson, the Chief Executive of the Jewish Leadership Council, welcomed Netanyahu and his wife Sara in a statement, saying, “I truly hope that Britain will continue to be at the forefront of protecting Israel, enforcing the provisions of the Iran agreement if it is ratified and standing against Iran’s dangerous destabilising policies in the Middle East.”

Meanwhile, around 300 demonstrators both in support and in opposition to Netanyahu’s visit took to Whitehall yesterday. Minor scuffles were reported and police made several arrests. Protestors waving Hezbollah flags were among those opposing Netanyahu’s visit.