Israel’s president is set to visit London next Thursday, just weeks before the UK is expected to recognize the state of Palestine at the UN General Assembly, according to The Guardian.
Two sources have confirmed that Isaac Herzog is scheduled to meet with UK ministers and senior political figures. This will be the first visit by a high-ranking Israeli leader since Foreign Secretary David Lammy met his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Sa’ar, during an unannounced trip last spring.
However, any meeting between Herzog and Prime Minister Keir Starmer is likely to be highly controversial within the Labour Party, given the widespread death, destruction, and starvation caused by Israel’s war in Gaza. Downing Street has not confirmed whether such a meeting will take place.
The UK government has previously indicated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could face arrest if he travels to the UK, following an International Criminal Court warrant for his alleged war crimes in Gaza.
Herzog, who belongs to a different political party than Netanyahu and holds a largely ceremonial role, has previously clashed with the prime minister over democratic and judicial reforms. However, he has broadly supported the military campaign in Gaza.
Herzog drew significant attention for a statement in October 2023, in which he asserted that all Palestinians in Gaza were “unequivocally” responsible for the Hamas attack on October 7. “The entire nation out there is responsible,” he said. “It is not true, this rhetoric about civilians not being aware or involved.”
This statement was later referenced in the International Court of Justice’s January 2024 ruling, which found it “plausible” that Israel had committed acts violating the Genocide Convention. The court ordered Israel to immediately ensure its forces refrain from prohibited acts and to protect Gaza’s population from further risk of genocide. Herzog has claimed the ICJ misrepresented his words by quoting him selectively.
Starmer last met Herzog over a year ago in Paris, shortly after becoming prime minister. At that time, he praised the “historic friendship between Israel and the UK,” called for the return of hostages, and expressed support for Israel’s right to self-defense.
Since then, however, Starmer and Lammy have become increasingly critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza, where local health authorities report more than 65,000 people have been killed.
The UK has imposed sanctions on two hardline Israeli cabinet ministers, and Starmer has announced plans to recognize Palestine this September, alongside France. Still, there is widespread frustration within Labour and beyond that the UK has not done enough to alleviate Palestinian suffering.
In a related development, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey recently said he plans to boycott a state dinner hosted by King Charles during Donald Trump’s upcoming UK visit, in protest of the US’s failure to pressure Israel to end the war.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of helpful FAQs about the Israeli Presidents upcoming visit to London
General Information
Q Who is the President of Israel
A The current President of Israel is Isaac Herzog The role is largely ceremonial focusing on national unity and representing the country abroad
Q When is the Israeli President visiting London
A He is scheduled to visit next Thursday
Q Why is the Israeli President visiting London
A He is visiting for anticipated talks with UK government ministers These discussions are expected to cover areas of mutual interest like security trade technology and regional diplomacy
Q Who will the President be meeting with
A He is scheduled to meet with UK government ministers This typically includes the Foreign Secretary and could potentially include the Prime Minister
Q Is this an official state visit
A While it involves highlevel government talks it has not been officially designated a full state visit which involves more ceremonial events like a banquet hosted by the King
Deeper Context Implications
Q Whats the difference between the President and the Prime Minister of Israel
A This is a key difference The Prime Minister is the head of government and holds executive power making most political decisions The President is the head of state a more symbolic and unifying figure who represents the nation
Q What are the main topics likely to be discussed in these talks
A Key topics will likely include
Regional security Addressing shared concerns and cooperation
The ongoing situation in Gaza and with Hamas
Bilateral trade and investment between the UK and Israel
Collaboration on technology and innovation
Strengthening diplomatic ties between the two nations
Q How often do these highlevel visits happen
A Highlevel visits between Israeli and British leaders are relatively common reflecting the strong and strategic relationship between the two countries They occur multiple times a year often aligned with international events or specific diplomatic needs
Q Will there be any public events during the visit
