Netanyahu seeks UK, EU support for Israel

Jerusalem, Sep 9 (IANS/EFE) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday left on an official visit to London, where he will meet with his British counterpart David Cameron to seek the EU and British support for Israel.

"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," the Israeli prime minister said.

"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," he added.

Netanyahu, who travelled with his wife Sara, will meet with Cameron in the British capital to discuss "diplomatic, strategic and bilateral issues", according to an official statement of the Israeli government.

The brief statement explained that the common challenges of security, economy and cyber security would be also addressed.

The last meeting between the two leaders was during Cameron's visit to Israel in March 2014.

During his two-day visit to London, the Israeli prime minister will have meetings with several representatives of the British parliament and leaders of the Jewish local community.

--IANS/EFE

ml/dg