Three pro-Palestinian organizations approached UK authorities on Thursday, demanding criminal action against President Isaac Herzog, accusing him of involvement in war crimes and violations of the Geneva Conventions.
The organizations - Hind Rajab Foundation, the European Center for Legal Assistance, and Stop the War - submitted a criminal complaint, presenting evidence they claim includes Herzog’s public statements, such as “denying hunger in Gaza” and his visits to IDF bases.
However, the UK Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) dismissed the request outright, stating there was “insufficient admissible evidence.” The police also did not pursue any arrest of Herzog.
In a press conference on Friday, the organizations argued that “this is a legal and moral failure,” adding that the decision to forgo legal proceedings against Herzog sends a message of immunity and reinforces the lack of accountability. They vowed to continue pressuring the UK to fulfill its Geneva Convention obligations and take action against the Israeli president.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, a suspicious package was sent to Herzog during his UK visit. Both local and Israeli security forces handled the situation, and the threat was neutralized.
Herzog's meeting with Starmer
Herzog traveled to London to meet with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at his Downing Street residence. The meeting occurred amid recent statements from Starmer and UK government officials concerning Israel and the approaching recognition of a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly.
The President’s Residence reported that Herzog emphasized during the meeting that recognizing a Palestinian state now would reward terrorism, potentially harming efforts to free the hostages and end the war. Furthermore, sanctions against Israel were deemed unacceptable between countries with so much in common, Herzog's office added.