Starmer ‘likely’ to meet with Israeli president Herzog on UK visit

Keir Starmer is “likely” to meet with Isaac Herzog when the Israeli president arrives in the UK next week, only weeks ahead of the government’s move to recognise a Palestinian state.

Downing Street refused to confirm whether a meeting would take place, after Westminster journalists asked on Friday if any meeting was scheduled between the PM and Herzog, after he is expected to arrive in the UK next Wednesday.

But source told Jewish News that it was “likely” Starmer would want a meeting to be arranged, as the UK continues its push towards securing long-term peace in Gaza, with Palestinian recognition part of a move to resurrect efforts towards a two-state solution.

Downing Street said no appointments would be confirmed with any minister until next week.

However, Trade Minister Douglas Alexander defended the prospect of Starmer meeting with the Israeli president, amid criticism from left-wing figures, including John McDonnell and Zarah Sultana.

“I’d make a pretty basic point, first of all, diplomacy involves meeting people with whom you disagree and the British Government has very strong views in terms of the present conduct of the government of Israel,” said Alexander.

He told Sky News: “It is right that we are engaging with politicians from across the region, because the suffering is incalculable and it needs to stop.”

He said, “In order to get to a path to that two-stage solution, of course you’re going to have to be talking not just to the Palestinians but also to the Israelis”.

On Friday, it was confirmed that Foreign Secretary David Lammy will meet senior officials in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  over the next few days to try to build consensus around a framework for lasting peace in the region.

He will focus on the need to turn any ceasefire into a durable peace, through a monitoring mechanism, the disarmament of Hamas and a new governance framework for Gaza, said the Foreign Office.

Both the PM and Lammy are likely to want to share details of these discussions with the Israeli president.

Lammy also said earlier this week he would go ahead with a move by the UK to recognise a Palestinian state later this month unless there was a “breakthrough” with Israel over the Gaza war and other conditions.

It is the first time  a senior Israeli leader has been in Britain since the foreign secretary  met his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Sa’ar, during an unannounced visit in the spring.

Herzog will also meet with communal leaders during his two-day visit to the UK.

Herzog has more of a ceremonial role as president, and has not been a supporter of Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud Party.

He has previously clashed with Netanyahu over democratic and judicial changes, but has broadly backed the military campaign in Gaza.

In other statements, he has also backed some settlement policies.