Israeli PM Netanyahu to make snap visit to London to meet Boris Johnson

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will head to London early on Thursday, just two weeks ahead of the impending Israeli elections.

The snap visit will include meetings with Prime Minister Boris Johnson and US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper.

Netanyahu is expected to speak to Prime Minister Johnson about tensions in the region, Haaretz reported. Similar topics, along with Israel's security needs, will be broached with Esper.

This is the first time Johnson and Esper will meet a leader from the Middle East. This will also be the first time Netanyahu meets the two since they began in their current roles.

The news comes a day after Prime Minister Netanyahu axed a scheduled visit to India, citing "schedule constraints" ahead of the elections.

Netanyahu will vye to again secure the premiership on 17 September.

Netanyahu is also reportedly seeking a friendly diplomatic gesture from US President Donald Trump that would help him secure his place in power later this month.

Talks have been held between Netanyahu's advisers and people close to President Trump over a possible statement, Haaretz reported on Tuesday. 

The statement would include a US commitment to protect Israel from any future threat.

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The Israeli premier has also renewed his pledge from the country's April elections to annex illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank if elected.

Netanyahu and his right-wing and religious allies won the most seats in an April election but an election was called for September after they failed to forge a viable coalition.

Agencies contributed to this report.

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