Israel passes new law protecting Netanyahu ahead of UK visit

Rishi Sunak urged to raise democracy and Palestinian rights in meeting with Israel’s PM

Police use water cannons on protesters blocking the Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv on Thursday (EPA)

Protesters took to the streets in Israel on Thursday against hugely controversial judicial reforms including a law that prevents a prime minister being declared unfit to hold office.

Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing ahead with the changes, which give the government more powers over courts, while he is still facing trial on corruption charges.

The new law to protect Netanyahu passed in an early morning vote 61-47 in Israel’s Knesset after a debate that ran through the night.