Labour MPs Urge Starmer Not to Meet Israeli President During UK Visit

The planned UK visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog has ignited significant controversy among Labour MPs amid the ongoing and severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza. MPs, including Sarah Champion and John McDonnell, have urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other ministers to refrain from meeting Herzog, arguing that such interactions would send mixed signals while Israel continues its expanded military offensive and humanitarian conditions worsen. The UK government is poised to recognize a Palestinian state at the upcoming UN General Assembly unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire and takes steps to alleviate the situation in Gaza. Critics highlight the high Palestinian death toll and accuse Herzog's government of systematic violence against civilians, with some calling for his arrest over alleged war crimes. While Downing Street has not confirmed any meetings, the visit's timing—shortly before the UK's potential recognition of Palestine—has intensified the debate over the UK's stance on the conflict. Herzog’s visit marks the first by a senior Israeli political figure since foreign secretary David Lammy’s April meeting with an Israeli counterpart, making the visit particularly sensitive given current tensions.