Campaigners push UK authorities to investigate 'Israeli' President Herzog for war crimes

Palestinian rights advocates are calling on British authorities to investigate 'Israeli' President Isaac Herzog during his upcoming visit to the United Kingdom, citing his potential responsibility for atrocities committed in Gaza.

The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP) confirmed it has reached out to the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command (SO15), arguing Herzog could face criminal liability for alleged war crimes, crimes against humanity, torture, and actions that may amount to genocide.

According to ICJP, diplomatic immunity should not prevent British police from questioning Herzog under the UK’s legal obligations at both national and international levels.

“This action represents a significant escalation in the global legal effort to hold senior 'Israeli' officials accountable for war crimes and grave breaches of international law," said Jonathan Purcell, ICJP’s senior public affairs and communications officer.

He added, “The rule of law applies to all, regardless of office or nationality. If political leaders refuse to subject themselves to the legal process, it is their own soldiers who will be left exposed facing justice alone, without immunity or protection. There will be no safe haven for suspected war criminals. International law demands accountability, and we are determined to deliver it.”

Herzog’s unannounced trip is expected to stir public anger, particularly as 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over alleged war crimes.

While Herzog himself is not named in ICC warrants, he has consistently defended 'Israel’s' military campaign in Gaza. In October 2023, he claimed all Palestinians in the besieged territory bore collective responsibility for the Hamas' operation.

“It is not true this rhetoric about civilians not aware, not involved,” Herzog said at the time, a statement many critics have denounced as genocidal.

The visit is the latest in a string of meetings between 'Israeli' officials and their British counterparts since 'Israel’s' devastating war on Gaza began.

In November 2024, former 'Israeli' military chief Herzi Halevi held a secret meeting in London with Attorney General Lord Richard Hermer, protected under “special mission immunity” granted by the Labour government.

Just months later, in April this year, 'Israeli' Foreign Minister Gideon Saar also travelled discreetly to the UK for talks with the foreign secretary. His visit followed a controversial move by 'Israeli' authorities to detain and deport Labour MPs Abtisam Mohamed and Yuan Yang.

The commander of the Israeli Air Force, Major-General Tomer Bar, likewise held high-level discussions with senior UK defence officials during a recent visit.