UK welcomes Israeli government's decision to delay judicial overhaul

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - British Foreign Secretary welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's move to pause controversial legislation to reform Israel’s judiciary, according to a statement by Foreign Office on Monday.

"The UK enjoys a deep and historic relationship with Israel. As the Prime Minister [Rishi Sunak] stressed in his meeting with PM Netanyahu last week, it is vital that the shared democratic values that underpin that relationship are upheld, and a robust system of checks and balances are preserved," James Cleverly said in a statement.

Following wide range of months-long protests against Israel's judicial overhaul, Netanyahu early Monday announced a delay to the controversial plans for judicial reforms.

The reform plans has been decried by the opposition as a "power grab" in favor of the executive authority.

"We urge all parties to find common ground and seek a long-term compromise to this sensitive issue," added Cleverly.