Israeli President Isaac Herzog is set to visit London next week, sparking outcry from Labour MPs who have urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to avoid meeting him. The visit comes as the UK government is on the brink of recognising Palestinian statehood at the UN General Assembly.
Herzog is expected in the UK on Wednesday and Thursday, marking the first visit by a senior Israeli leader since Foreign Secretary David Lammy met his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Sa’ar, in the spring. While a foreign leader of such seniority would normally meet high-ranking ministers, any meeting with Starmer would be controversial amid Israel's military action in Gaza.
Downing Street has not confirmed any meeting between Starmer and Herzog, with precedents such as Starmer recently avoiding a meeting with Bangladesh's chief adviser. Sources suggested no appointments would be confirmed until next week. Trade minister Douglas Alexander defended the prospect of meetings, stating that diplomacy involves engaging with those you disagree with.
Labour MPs have called on the government to avoid meeting Herzog. Sarah Champion, chair of the international development committee, questioned the message sent if the meeting is not about peace. John McDonnell said Herzog should not be permitted entry, while Clive Lewis urged caution, noting that the act of meeting itself becomes a political statement.
However, Emily Thornberry, chair of the foreign affairs committee, argued that efforts should be made to engage with Herzog, who has often been at odds with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. She stressed the need for political discussion to achieve a two-state solution. The Liberal Democrats' foreign affairs spokesperson urged Starmer to use the visit to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
