‘Proud’ Britain marks Balfour anniversary with Netanyahu

LONDON: Prime Minister Theresa May and Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu are preparing to celebrate the centenary of a British declaration that ultimately led to the foundation of the state of Israel.

“We are proud of our pioneering role in the creation of the state of Israel,” May will say at a dinner in London to mark the date alongside Netanyahu, according to extracts released by her office.

May will also warn about a “pernicious form of anti-Semitism which uses criticism of the actions of the Israeli government as a despicable justification for questioning the very right of Israel to exist.”

On the second day of his five-day visit to Britain, Netanyahu was set to meet with May in her Downing Street office and hold talks with British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, including on the Iran nuclear agreement.

The dinner will be attended by dignitaries including a descendant of the Balfour Declaration’s author, then foreign secretary Lord Arthur Balfour who called for ‘a national home for the Jewish people’.

The declaration is seen as a precursor to Israel’s creation in 1948 and the anniversary is a joyous occasion for Israelis but is contentious for many Palestinians who say it led to hundreds of thousands fleeing or being forced from their homes.

Speaking ahead of his departure for London, Netanyahu said: “The Palestinians say that the Balfour Declaration was a tragedy. It wasn’t a tragedy.

“What’s been tragic is their refusal to accept this 100 years later. I hope they change their mind, because if they do they can move forward finally to making peace between our two peoples,” he said.

At the dinner, May is also set to call for “a renewed resolve to support a lasting peace that is in the interests of both Israelis and Palestinians – and in the interests of us all.

“A peace deal that must be based on a two-state solution, with a secure and prosperous Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.” — AFP