By Enyichukwu Enemanna
UK’s leadership has been advised to effect the arrest of Israeli President Isaac Herzog following his arrival on Tuesday ahead of his meeting with the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Wednesday, as well as his address at the Chatham House think tank later that day.
Rights groups, campaigners, and lawmakers are accusing Herzog, who is expected to depart for London on Friday of war crimes amid Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza.
His visit has sparked widespread outrage, coming in the same week Israel launched strikes on Gaza, Syria and Lebanon, killing dozens and wounding scores more.
The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP) has written to Scotland Yard, urging police to open an investigation into Herzog “on suspicion of bearing criminal liability for alleged war crimes”.
In its statement, ICJP accused Herzog of potential war crimes and crimes against humanity as well as “actions that constitute plausible genocide”.
Protests for Herzog’s arrest began earlier this week and may likely escalate. Demonstrators plan to gather outside Chatham House, banging pots and pans to disrupt Herzog’s speech.
Friends of Al-Aqsa, a UK-based advocacy group, has filed requests with the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Attorney General to launch criminal proceedings against Herzog, accusing him of encouraging indiscriminate attacks on Gaza’s civilian population and infrastructure. The group has also sought an arrest warrant for Herzog.
“British politicians have failed to defend the Palestinians and champion the rule of law. There is now an opportunity for the courts to intervene,” said Ismail Patel, chair of Friends of Al-Aqsa. “Every official, no matter how senior, must be held accountable for attacks on civilians.”
According to Gaza’s health authorities, over 64,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s war on Gaza since October 2023.
Herzog, who has served as Israel’s President since 2021, has faced international condemnation for remarks made in the early days of the war.
The Israeli head of state has previously encouraged the collective punishment of Gaza’s people, claiming that there were no innocent civilians in the now-devastated territory.
Amnesty International UK condemned the UK government’s decision to welcome Herzog, saying it undermines Britain’s credibility on human rights. “While Herzog’s role is largely ceremonial, he has chosen to defend collective punishment,” said Amnesty UK chief Sacha Deshmukh.
“This visit is a test of leadership and principle. Polite handshakes and warm words will demonstrate neither. The UK will be judged on whether it acted against genocide or helped to whitewash it.”
