ISAAC HERZOG INTERVIEW: My message to UK Jews: ‘I’ve got your back’

Israeli President Isaac Herzog arrived in London this week with a simple message for the UK’s beleaguered Jewish community: “I’ve got your back.”

In a visit framed by mounting antisemitism, deepening unease over the Gaza war, a UK freeze on certain arms to Israel, plans to recognise Palestinian statehood and mounting tensions over Israel’s strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar, Herzog sought to reassure diaspora Jews that their concerns are being heard loud and clear in Jerusalem.

In a wide-ranging interview with Jewish News on Wednesday, the president said: “I care. We care. Your voice is heard. Your voice must be heard. World Jewry is being attacked and harassed, which poses many questions for Israel in these dire and complicated times.

“On the plane coming here, British Jews approached to me and said, ‘Thank you for coming to London to support us. Thank you for standing up for us.”

Herzog, who has styled himself as both Israel’s head of state and a guardian of world Jewry, was explicit about his responsibility.

“I see as one of my main missions to protect and defend the Jewish people all over the world. I know Jews in Britain are facing many questions. My role is to make sure they know: Israel is with them. Always.”

The president, who arrived in the UK on Tuesday for a three-day visit, also acknowledged growing polarisation among British Jews regarding Israel’s direction of travel, domestically and in terms of the ongoing war in Gaza, noting that similar splits exist inside Israel itself. “I am aware of the issues and challenges the Jewish community in the UK. faces. Much of it is a mirror image of debates occurring in Israel as well.

“Throughout Jewish history, when the story of Zionism emerged, there were divides and splits all the time. Part of my visit is to say to British Jews: I hear your concerns. Israel hears them. And to say to the rest of the UK: never forget that Israel is a democracy. Israel was attacked on 7 October and had been through hell ever since. If only Hamas would release our hostages, the whole region would look different.”

Turning to the wider diplomatic arena, Herzog railed against what he described as “a brainwashing machine” aimed at undermining Israel’s legitimacy.

He accused unnamed governments and international institutions of amplifying falsehoods about the conduct of the war.

Speaking hours before meeting Sir Keir Starmer, he reserved particular criticism for the prime minister’s declared support for recognising a Palestinian state at the United Nations later this month. “It is a mistake. Why do this when we are still trying to get our hostages out of Gaza?”

Herzog confirmed that estimates on the number of hostages still alive in remains at 20, with a further 28 believed to have perished in captivity, almost two years after they were taken.

Herzog, who arrived in London just hours after Israel targeted Hamas leaders in Qatar, insisted that the terror group’s leadership must be entirely removed if there is to be hope for peace.

In his Downing Street meeting later on Wednesday, Herzog reportedly voiced opposition to the British Government’s expected recognition of a Palestinian state. He argued that such a move would reward terror and jeopardise efforts to free the hostages still held in Gaza. The pair shook hands, but there was none of the warm embraces reserved for other world leaders in recent months from Starmer.

“I see as one of my main missions to protect and defend the Jewish people all over the world. I know Jews in Britain are facing many questions. My role is to make sure they know: Israel is with them. Always.

Herzog is also understood to have strongly opposed UK sanctions, describing them as unacceptable between allies, and warned against amplifying Hamas propaganda over claims of starvation in Gaza.

He also spoke about Israel’s fight against Iran and its regional proxies as part of a wider struggle for the entire free world, stressing that the UK must not bow to extremist pressure and should instead demand the hostages’ immediate and unconditional release.

A red smoke canister was thrown by a protester towards the Israeli president’s convoy of vehicles as it left Downing Street. Police were seen detaining a person and removing the canister after the convoy continued down Whitehall.

After the meeting, Herzog admitted that “things that were said were tough and strong”, but Israel’s president insisted: “When allies meet they can argue.”

A UK government source told Jewish News:  Wednesday’s meeting was “frank and tense” as the pair expressed different views around Israel’s conduct in Gaza, and had a “major difference of opinion” over Palestine recognition.