Prime Minister Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lands in Sydney amid controversy

Benjamin Netanyahu has touched down in Sydney for a four-day visit — the first visit to Australia by a serving Israeli Prime Minister.

He is travelling with a business delegation, and is expected to sign bilateral agreements on technological research and air services.

Mr Netanyahu said the visit would strengthen relations.”We admire Australia, we embrace Australia and this visit will enable us to bring our countries even closer,” he said.

“I’ve been here before and counted the years wanting to come back again and I’m very proud to be here as the first Israeli Prime Minister to make an official visit to Australia.”

Mr Netanyahu acknowledged the historical ties between the two countries.

“We’re celebrating 100 years of friendship between Australia and Israel,” he said.”I always remember, it was Australian light horse that liberated Beersheba, an old, old city in our history.

“We have been friends — extraordinary friends — ever since.”

Read the full article at the ABC.