Israeli president Isaac Herzog revealed that a heated exchange took place between him and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street in London on Wednesday, during what he described as a “difficult” meeting that exposed deep disagreements over their countries’ recent policies, according to British media reports.
Speaking later at Chatham House, Herzog admitted: “Hard and strong issues were raised. It is clear that we can argue — because when allies meet, they can argue. We are democracies.”
He noted that Starmer’s plan to recognise a Palestinian state and his views on humanitarian aid to Gaza were at the core of the dispute, adding that he urged the British government to send a fact-finding mission to Israel.
By contrast, Starmer’s office confirmed that the Prime Minister pressed Herzog to change Israel’s approach in Gaza, voicing his “deep concern over the humanitarian crisis” and urging Israel to allow aid into the besieged strip and halt offensive operations.
Starmer reaffirmed that Britain and Israel remain long-standing allies, but stressed his commitment to achieving a lasting peace for both Palestinians and Israelis.
The confrontation sharpened when Starmer raised the issue of Israel’s recent airstrike on Qatar, condemning it as “completely unacceptable.”
A British government spokesperson quoted Starmer as saying: “These strikes are a blatant violation of the sovereignty of a key partner and contribute nothing to the peace we all so urgently want to see.”
Domestic Pressures on Starmer
Starmer is facing mounting pressure from within his own Labour Party to take a tougher stance on Israel. Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, he insisted that diplomacy remains essential to securing a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of Israeli captives held by Hamas.
When asked why he met with Herzog, Starmer replied: “I will not give up on diplomacy. That is an immature policy.”
Earlier this week, Health Secretary Wes Streeting said Israel’s handling of the war in Gaza is turning it into “a pariah state.”
UK Threatens Recognition of Palestine
Britain had already pledged to recognise a Palestinian state before the upcoming UN General Assembly this month unless Israel meets four conditions, including ending the war in Gaza and allowing greater humanitarian access.
Israel’s government reacted angrily to Britain’s plan — backed also by France, Canada, and other Western states — to recognise Palestine if Israel refuses to comply with these conditions, foremost among them a Gaza ceasefire.
All this kerfuffle abt Palestine and Doha between Starmer and them is just role-playing for the benefit of bystanders. There is a Zionist flow deep and thick in the veins of the Labour party. Britain can bring Isr@hell to heel in a day if they want. But they are all beneficiaries of Zio-largesse, palmer Starmer and clammy Lamy included.
It’s about time the Arabs get their heads together and realise that the Zionist regime is after a greater Israel at any cost to human’s life. The Arabs can no longer expect protection from US,UK and the European Allies because they will not apply sanctions nor will they stop supplying weapons. They have given the Regime a Card Blanche and let loose without official condemnation.