Thursday, September 11, 2025 -Human rights groups and pro-Palestinian activists are urging the UK government to arrest Israeli President Isaac Herzog during his visit to London, citing allegations of war crimes linked to Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza.
Campaigners argue that international law obliges Britain to act, with petitions and legal filings submitted in advance of Herzog’s arrival. While the calls are unlikely to result in an arrest, they highlight mounting pressure on Western governments to respond to the conflict more forcefully.
The push has ignited heated public debate. Supporters of the arrest campaign argue that allowing Herzog to visit freely would amount to Britain condoning Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Opponents counter that such a move would severely damage diplomatic relations, noting the long-standing strategic and economic ties between the UK and Israel. Online, hashtags demanding Herzog’s detention trended widely, sparking both solidarity demonstrations and backlash from pro-Israel voices.
The controversy underscores the delicate balance Britain faces in navigating Middle East diplomacy. While the UK has consistently called for restraint and humanitarian access in Gaza, officials are reluctant to take steps that could upend relations with Israel or the United States.
Analysts warn that the pressure campaign may continue to grow as the war drags on, testing how far governments are willing to go in holding leaders accountable under international law.
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