Netanyahu to meet with Boris Johnson on surprise trip to London

It will be Johnson’s first meeting with a Middle East leader in his new role

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's prime minister, had earlier cancelled a scheduled trip to India (AP/Tsafrir Abayov)

Benjamin Netanyahu is travelling to London on Thursday to meet with his embattled British counterpart Boris Johnson.

Israel’s prime minister had earlier in this week cancelled a scheduled trip to India, citing commitments at home surrounding an upcoming general election.

Mr Netanyahu will also meet in London with Mark Esper, the US secretary of defence, according to the prime minister’s office.

It will be Mr Johnson’s first meeting in his new role with a leader from the Middle East.

They are likely to discuss the ongoing tensions surrounding Iran.

Mr Netanyahu’s office described the trip as a “lightning visit”.

“The prime minister will discuss with Prime Minister Johnson about the situation in the region and the ways to repel Iran’s terror and aggression,” the prime minister’s office said.

“He will discuss with Secretary Esper Israel’s security needs. The PM and Esper spoke last night on the phone and decided to broaden their conversation in London.”

Last month, Mr Netanyahu called Mr Johnson and said the UK should “take a strong stand against Iran”.

They last met in London in February, 2017, when Mr Johnson, who was foreign secretary at the time, hosted Mr Netanyahu for the centenary celebration of the Balfour Declaration.