Minister defends potential Government meeting with Israeli president in the UK

A minister has defended the possibility of UK Government figures meeting Israeli president Isaac Herzog during his visit to Britain next week, amid criticism from within the Labour Party.

Douglas Alexander stated that the UK must engage with both Israeli and Palestinian authorities as part of its diplomatic efforts to end the Gaza conflict.

The visit of an Israeli leader, at a time when the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is dire and Israel continues a major military offensive, has sparked outrage among some MPs. 

Speaking to broadcasters on Friday, trade minister Mr. Alexander said that diplomacy would involve “meeting people with whom you disagree.”

“I’m genuinely not sure about the schedule,” he told Sky News.

“But I’d like to make a basic point, firstly, diplomacy involves meeting people with whom you disagree, and the British Government has very strong views on the current actions of the Israeli government.

“It is appropriate that we engage with politicians from across the region because the suffering is immense and needs to stop.”

Mr. Alexander said that “in order to reach a two-stage solution, you must talk not only to the Palestinians but also to the Israelis.”

The visit follows Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s condemnation of the “terrible situation” in Gaza this week and precedes the UK’s intention to recognize a Palestinian state later this month.

Labour MPs have urged the Government not to meet with the Israeli leader.

Sarah Champion, Labour chairwoman of the International Development Select Committee, wrote on X: “Israel’s president to visit London next Thursday for expected talks with ministers. I really hope this is inaccurate.

“The UK has recognized 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, who sits as an Independent after having the whip suspended over a vote on the two-child benefit cap, told the PA news agency: “The Prime Minister is shaming our country by inviting Herzog to Britain.

“He seems to have no appreciation of our people’s outrage at the ongoing murder of Palestinian children by Israel.

“Herzog is the mouthpiece of the IDF (Israel Defence Forces) butchers and should never be allowed near our country.”

Labour MP Clive Lewis told the Guardian: “Dialogue is one thing, but there are times when the act of meeting itself becomes a political statement. 

“Clearly Herzog is not Netanyahu; their politics on many issues differ. However, the president’s own words have helped legitimize the collective punishment of Palestinians, language that international jurists have warned could breach the genocide convention.”

Former Labour MP Zarah Sultana, who now sits as an Independent, posted on X: “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 Palestinian death toll has exceeded 64,000 since the war triggered by Hamas’s deadly 2023 attack on Israel began nearly two years ago, local health officials said on Thursday.

Downing Street declined to comment when asked about the Israeli president’s trip, stating it would announce any visits “in the normal way.”

If Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu were to travel to the UK, domestic courts could potentially enforce an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes in Gaza.

Mr. Herzog’s role as Israeli president is largely ceremonial.

He is from a different political party than Mr. Netanyahu and has not always agreed with the prime minister, although he has largely supported war efforts in Gaza.