Israeli President Isaac Herzog's upcoming visit to the UK
has sparked significant controversy, with several Labour MPs urging ministers,
including PM Keir Starmer, not to meet him amid escalating violence in Gaza.
The visit is set against a backdrop of a dire humanitarian crisis and the UK's
impending recognition of a Palestinian state.
What Is the Controversy Surrounding Isaac Herzog's UK Visit?
As reported by Sean O'Grady of The Independent,
Isaac Herzog, Israel's president, is expected to visit London next week, with
meetings planned on Wednesday and Thursday with UK government ministers. This
visit has ignited outrage among some Labour MPs due to the ongoing military
offensive by Israel in Gaza, where the humanitarian situation remains dire. The
visit coincides with the UK’s intention to recognise a Palestinian state later
this month and comes shortly after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned
the "terrible situation" in Gaza.
Labour chairwoman of the International Development Select Committee, Sarah Champion, voiced her concerns on social media:
“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 shadow chancellor John McDonnell was particularly critical, telling The Guardian,
“I am appalled at the decision to allow this representative of a government that is systematically killing Palestinian children on a daily basis to visit our country. The Prime Minister is proving to be absolutely tone-deaf to the desperate plight of the Palestinian people and the overwhelming feelings of revulsion of the British people at the brutality of the government Herzog represents”.
Why Are Labour MPs Urging Ministers Not to Meet Herzog?
Labour MPs argue that any engagement with Herzog undermines the UK government’s condemnation of Israel’s military actions in Gaza and sends a confusing message internationally. Sarah Champion criticised the meeting as potentially damaging, while former Labour MP Zarah Sultana, now an Independent, expressed outrage on social media, saying,
“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 backdrop to this anger is the staggering death toll in
Gaza, which Palestinian health officials report has surpassed 64,000 since the
war began nearly two years ago after the deadly attack by Hamas on Israel in
October 2023. The conflict has resulted in mass displacement and famine
conditions in Gaza City.
What Is the UK Government's Response to the Visit?
Downing Street has declined to comment on Herzog’s planned
visit, stating only that it will announce any visits "in the normal
way" according to The Guardian and Sky News reports.
British ministers have stopped short of using the term genocide officially to
describe Israel’s actions, deferring such determinations to the International
Court of Justice. However, Sir Keir Starmer has increasingly criticised
Israel’s military operations, which have expanded significantly over the
summer.
Prime Minister Starmer has indicated that the UK will
recognise a Palestinian state at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly
meeting unless Israel takes substantial steps to address the crisis in Gaza,
including agreeing to a ceasefire.
How Does Herzog's Role Compare to Other Israeli Leaders?
Herzog's position as Israel's president is largely
ceremonial, unlike the Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who leads the
government and its policies. Notably, Herzog belongs to a different political
party and has occasionally clashed with Netanyahu. However, Herzog has largely
supported Israel’s war efforts in Gaza.
Unlike Netanyahu, Herzog is not subject to an International
Criminal Court arrest warrant. If Netanyahu were to visit the UK, domestic
courts could potentially enforce such an arrest warrant over alleged war crimes
in Gaza.
Are Opinions Within the Labour Party Divided Regarding the Visit?
Yes, the Labour Party shows a split in views. While many MPs have expressed strong opposition to Herzog's visit and meetings, Emily Thornberry, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee and Labour MP, has called for engagement. Thornberry told The Guardian,
“Efforts should be made to engage with the president whose role is more moderate compared to many in the extreme right-wing government in Israel... The only solution is through politics, through discussion".
What Is the Broader Context of the Israel-Gaza Conflict Impacting This Visit?
The current war started in October 2023 when Hamas militants
launched a deadly attack on Israel, killing 1,200 people mostly civilians and
taking hostages. Since then, Gaza has faced intensive Israeli military
responses resulting in a high Palestinian death toll and severe humanitarian
distress, including famine in Gaza City and the displacement of much of the
population.
This crisis is highly polarising internationally and within
the UK political sphere, complicating diplomatic interactions such as Herzog’s
planned UK visit.