Thousands Protest Israeli President Herzog Visit, Call for Arrest in London

Israeli President Isaac Herzog's planned visit to London has sparked large protests and calls for his arrest over alleged war crimes related to Israel's military operations in Gaza. Thousands gathered outside the UK Prime Minister's Office demanding an arrest warrant, accusing Herzog of endorsing indiscriminate attacks on civilians and labeling him a "genocide president." Pro-Palestine groups like Friends of Al-Aqsa have legally sought an arrest warrant against Herzog for aiding and abetting these attacks, citing his statements blaming all Palestinians in Gaza for the 7 October Hamas attack, which have been presented in international legal cases. Some British politicians and lawmakers have criticized the government's decision to allow Herzog's visit, with Green Party leader Zack Polanski calling the visit a "brutal insult" and demanding Herzog's arrest. The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians has also urged UK authorities to investigate Herzog upon arrival, emphasizing that diplomatic immunity does not preclude legal action under UK and international law. Herzog's visit is part of a three-day itinerary to meet UK officials amid ongoing international scrutiny over alleged war crimes committed by Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who already faces ICC arrest warrants.