Herzog Confronts UK’s Starmer Over Qatar Strike Backlash and Palestinian Statehood Push

A high-stakes diplomatic meeting between Israeli President Isaac Herzog and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street ended in open disagreement Wednesday, as the two leaders clashed over Israel’s strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar and Britain’s plan to recognize a Palestinian state.

Describing the talks as “tough,” Herzog revealed that he had firmly opposed Starmer’s recent foreign policy direction, particularly the UK’s condemnation of Israel’s strike in Doha and its expected recognition of a Palestinian state during the upcoming UN General Assembly.

Herzog stressed that recognizing Palestinian statehood at this time would “constitute a reward for terror,” particularly in the wake of Hamas’s October 7 massacre and its ongoing role in holding hostages and waging war against Israel. His office warned that such a move would “undermine efforts to end the war in Gaza” and diminish international leverage over Hamas and its Iranian sponsors.

The tense tone of the meeting was set before it began. Herzog and Starmer shook hands without smiling on the steps of Number 10, signaling visible friction between the leaders.

Starmer had planned to raise the humanitarian situation in Gaza and Israel’s expanding military actions. He recently condemned the IDF’s targeted strike on Hamas officials in Doha a British ally questioning the broader consequences of the move. Herzog responded directly, stating that Israel’s operations are not only legal but essential in confronting global terror networks backed by Iran.

“The President will emphasize that Israel’s determined struggle against the Iranian empire of evil and its terror proxies is the struggle of the entire free world, including Great Britain,” Herzog’s office stated ahead of the meeting. “Sanctions against Israel, its leaders, and citizens are unacceptable.”

Starmer’s position, which includes threats of political consequences unless Israel halts military operations in Gaza and refrains from annexation in the West Bank, has rattled Jerusalem. The Labour leader has also told the UK Cabinet that the country will officially recognize a Palestinian state in September unless “substantive steps” are taken by Israel to change the situation in Gaza.

However, the British government did recently conclude that Israel is not committing genocide in Gaza, reversing a prior stance that only courts can determine such claims. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy confirmed the shift in a letter to the international development committee on September 1.

Still, Herzog argued that unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state, especially under Hamas’s shadow, will embolden extremism rather than pave a path to peace. He invited the UK to conduct a fact-finding mission in Israel to see the reality firsthand.

“We must not cave to extremist pressure,” Herzog said. “The hostages must be released unconditionally. The free world must not be bullied into legitimizing terror.”

In a world where terrorism and antisemitism are on the rise, Israel continues to stand its ground with clarity and courage. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed and stand with Israel.