Sunak lightly challenges Netanyahu as protesters accuse Israel PM of ‘destroying democracy’

Shouts of ‘shame’ follow the Israeli prime minister to his meeting in Downing Street

Rishi Sunak welcomes Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday (EPA)

Rishi Sunak has challenged Benjamin Netanyahu on his controversial judicial overhaul but otherwise spoke of strengthening ties as the Israeli prime minister faces a wave of protests.

Shouts of “shame” followed Mr Netanyahu to Downing Street, where hundreds of pro-democracy protesters amassed to warn against a slide towards autocracy.

Mass protests were sparked in Israel by legislation protecting Mr Netanyahu from being deemed unfit to rule, which critics say will shield him from his corruption trial.