ICJP writes to Scotland Yard War Crimes Unit demanding that Israeli President is investigated upon arrival in the UK

London, 7^th September 2025: On the 10^th and 11^th September, Isaac Herzog, President of Israel, is expected to visit the UK. He is expected to meet with UK ministers. ICJP has now written to Scotland Yard, demanding that the Israeli President is investigated upon his arrival in the UK, on suspicion of bearing criminal liability for alleged war crimes.

The correspondence was sent to SO15, Scotland Yard’s War Crimes Unit. Herzog is suspected of bearing criminal liability for alleged war crimes, crimes against humanity, torture, and actions that constitute plausible genocide contrary to the Criminal Justice Act, the Geneva Conventions Act 1957, and the International Criminal Court (ICC) Act 2001.

ICJP calls for his investigation and interview, noting that diplomatic immunity would not preclude SO15 from interviewing him and otherwise investigating him, in compliance with the UK’s international and domestic obligations.

The ICC has already issued arrest warrants for two senior members of the Israeli Government, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and ex-Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. The International Court of Justice has heard evidence of dehumanising statements made by senior Israeli officials, including a statement by Herzog on the 12^th October 2023, asserting: “It is an entire nation out there that is responsible. It is not true this rhetoric about civilians not aware, not involved…”.

ICJP has previously provided the Metropolitan Police with two criminal complaints relying on extensive evidence which demonstrates Israel’s commission of international crimes including the crime of starvation as a method of warfare and indiscriminate targeting of civilians and civilian objects, specifically protected medical staff—all crimes that fall within the remit of UK legislation and jurisdiction.

This is therefore an opportunity for the UK government to pivot from arresting those who speak out against genocide to holding accountable those responsible for genocide, as required under UK and international law. From weapons exports to spy plane fights to trade and diplomatic support, the UK government has failed at every step to live up to its legal obligations under international and domestic law to act to prevent the horrifying atrocities in Gaza.

ICJP’s Senior Public Affairs and Communications Officer Jonathan Purcell said:

“This action represents a significant escalation in the global legal effort to hold senior Israeli officials accountable for war crimes and grave breaches of international law.

The rule of law applies to all, regardless of office or nationality. If political leaders refuse to subject themselves to the legal process, it is their own soldiers who will be left exposed facing justice alone, without immunity or protection. There will be no safe haven for suspected war criminals. International law demands accountability, and we are determined to deliver it.”

 ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. The ICJP is an independent organisation of lawyers, politicians and academics who work to protect and support Palestinian’s rights through the law. 
2. For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact press@icpalestine.com.
3. The full letter can be viewed below:

Photo Credits: Haim Zach. Wikimedia Commons.