Tensions are rising in the UK political scene as Labour MPs call on Sir Keir Starmer to avoid meeting the Israeli president, Isaac Herzog, during his visit to London next week.
The visit, scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, comes amid a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the UK government’s looming plan to recognise an independent Palestinian state.
Herzog’s Visit Sparks Political Backlash
Herzog’s trip is the first by a senior Israeli leader since Prime Minister Rishi Sunak indicated that the UK would formally recognise Palestine at the upcoming UN General Assembly, unless Israel meets conditions including a ceasefire in Gaza and a renewed commitment to a two-state solution.
The visit also follows a meeting between Foreign Secretary David Lammy and his Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa’ar in April.
While meetings with top ministers are expected, the Israeli president’s presence has already drawn strong criticism from some Labour MPs, who argue that hosting him amid Israel’s military offensive in Gaza would send the wrong signal.
Downing Street has not confirmed any meeting between Herzog and Starmer, but pressure is mounting from within Starmer’s own party.
Labour Figures Voice Strong Concerns
Sarah Champion, chair of the International Development Select Committee, tweeted her concern, saying she hoped reports of Herzog’s talks with ministers were inaccurate.
“The UK has recognised the ‘real risk’ of genocide perpetuated by Israel, so unless this meeting is about peace – what message are we sending?” she wrote.
Former shadow chancellor John McDonnell was even more vocal, condemning the visit as a “tone-deaf” decision that ignores the suffering of Palestinians.
Labour MP Clive Lewis also warned that any meeting with Herzog could be interpreted as a political statement in itself.
Diverging Views Within Labour
Not all Labour voices oppose engagement. Emily Thornberry, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, stressed the need for dialogue.
She pointed out that Herzog is not Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and that their political positions often differ.
Still, Thornberry noted that Herzog’s words have helped legitimise collective punishment of Palestinians, potentially contravening international law.
Herzog’s role as Israeli president is largely ceremonial and he belongs to a different political party than Netanyahu.
Legal complications would be far greater if Netanyahu were to visit, as the International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant over alleged war crimes in Gaza.
Starmer’s Shifting Stance on Israel
Starmer last met Herzog over a year ago, expressing support for Israel’s right to self-defence and demanding the release of hostages.
Since the October 2023 Hamas attacks, which killed 1,200 people and captured more than 250 hostages, Starmer has adopted a more critical stance on Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
In June, the UK sanctioned far-right Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.
Starmer also announced that the UK would follow France in recognising a Palestinian state.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian toll in Gaza has escalated, with more than 64,000 Palestinians killed since the conflict began, and 48 hostages remaining, 20 of whom are believed to be alive.
The UK’s Delicate Diplomatic Balance
Downing Street declined to comment directly on Herzog’s trip, saying any visits would be announced “in the normal way.”
For Starmer, navigating a potential meeting with Herzog is a delicate balancing act between party pressure, public sentiment, and the broader diplomatic landscape.