Ministers urged not to meet Israeli president during UK visit

Ministers are being urged not to meet Israel’s president Isaac Herzog, who is understood to be visiting the UK next week.

The visit of a senior Israeli leader has sparked outrage among some Labour MPs at a time when the humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire and Israel presses ahead with a major military offensive.

Mr Herzog’s trip to the UK is expected next Wednesday and Thursday, according to the Guardian newspaper.

It comes after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the “terrible situation” in the Strip this week, and before the UK intends to recognise a Palestinian state later this month.

Labour MPs have demanded the Government does not meet the Israeli leader.

Labour former shadow chancellor John McDonnell told the PA news agency: “The Prime Minister is shaming our country by inviting Herzog to Britain.

“He seems to have no appreciation of our people’s outrage at the ongoing murder of Palestinian children by Israel.

“Herzog is the mouthpiece of the IDF (Israel Defence Forces) butchers and should never be allowed near our country.”

Sarah Champion, Labour chairwoman of the International Development Select Committee, wrote on X: “Israel’s president to visit London next Thursday for expected talks with ministers. I really hope this is inaccurate.

“The UK’s recognised the ‘real risk’ of genocide perpetuated by Israel, so unless this meeting is about peace – what message are we sending.”

Former Labour MP Zarah Sultana, who now sits as an Independent, posted on X: “Beyond disgusted that Israeli President Herzog is set to visit London next week to meet Labour ministers.

“The Labour Party is living up to its reputation as The Genocide Party.

“Herzog should be arrested for war crimes the moment he sets foot on UK soil.”

The Palestinian death toll has surpassed 64,000 since the war triggered by Hamas’s deadly 2023 attack on Israel began nearly two years ago, local health officials said on Thursday.

Downing Street declined to comment when asked about the Israeli president’s trip, saying it would set out any visits “in the normal way”.

Were Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to travel to the UK, domestic courts could decide to enforce an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court over alleged war crimes in Gaza.

Mr Herzog’s role as Israeli president is largely ceremonial.

He is from a different political party to Mr Netanyahu and has not always seen eye-to-eye with the premier, although he has largely supported war efforts in Gaza.