Israeli President Isaac Herzog proposed sending a "fact-finding mission coming to Israel, sitting with us and studying the situation in Gaza on the humanitarian level" following tense discussions with Sir Keir Starmer (Labour) at Downing Street on Wednesday. The meeting saw the two leaders clash over UK plans to recognise a Palestinian state and concerns about Gaza's humanitarian crisis.
Speaking at a Chatham House event, Herzog said he had offered the mission "because we have full answers and we are fully transparent". He acknowledged the pair had "argued out of respect" but noted areas of agreement including the Iranian threat and ending Hamas control of Gaza.
Herzog dismissed comments made by Health Secretary Wes Streeting on Monday, who had said the Israeli president needed to answer allegations of war crimes and ethnic cleansing. The Israeli leader rejected these remarks "out of hand".
Qatar strikes overshadow talks
The meeting took place after Israeli airstrikes targeted senior Hamas leaders who had travelled to Qatar for ceasefire negotiations. A Downing Street spokesperson said Starmer had "condemned" the bombing as "a flagrant violation of a key partner's sovereignty" that "do nothing to secure the peace we all desperately want to see".
The Prime Minister "implored Israel to change course", including allowing more aid into Gaza and halting offensive operations, while emphasising that hostages taken by Hamas "must be released". Herzog defended the Qatar attack, arguing Israel wanted a ceasefire but needed to "remove some of the people if they are not willing to get that deal".
Political pressure builds
Starmer faced criticism for hosting Herzog, with protesters gathering outside Downing Street before the meeting. In the Commons, SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn asked: "What does it say of this Prime Minister that he will harbour this man whilst children starve?"
The Prime Minister defended his diplomatic approach, saying: "I will not give up on diplomacy. That is the politics of students." Herzog described the encounter as "a very frank and open discussion", adding: "It was a meeting between allies, but it was a tough meeting."
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
