Advocacy organisations, including the Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF), the European Legal Support Centre (ELSC), and the Stop the War Coalition, have formally filed a criminal complaint with UK authorities, seeking the arrest of Israeli President Isaac Herzog on charges of complicity in war crimes and crimes against humanity during his recent visit to Britain.
The complaint, lodged on September 10, accuses Herzog of involvement in Israel’s genocide in Gaza, including starvation tactics and systematic destruction of the strip.
The groups, represented by the Public Interest Law Centre, submitted a detailed case summary highlighting Herzog’s public statements that they claim undermine civilian protections, his denial of famine in Gaza despite UN reports, and his visits to military sites such as Nahal Oz and Gaza, which preceded or coincided with operations like “Oz and Nir.”
This action followed preliminary letters sent to the Metropolitan Police, Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), and Attorney General’s Office on September 9.
Despite the submission, the Metropolitan Police did not arrest Herzog, and a CPS lawyer rejected the complaint and an application for a judicial arrest warrant that evening, citing “insufficient admissible evidence.”
The coalition has criticised this decision as flawed, arguing that much of the evidence—such as Herzog’s own statements and open-source materials like videos, firsthand accounts, and international reports—is already admissible.
They also pointed to prior evidence filed with the War Crimes Team in April 2025 by the Public Interest Law Centre and the Palestine Centre for Human Rights, and accused the CPS of neglecting its duties under the Geneva Conventions and failing to provide guidance on admissibility as per its own policies.
Renewing their call to the Metropolitan Police’s SO15 War Crimes Unit, the groups urged Herzog’s arrest regardless of immunity claims, emphasising the UK’s obligations under Article 146 of the Fourth Geneva Convention to prosecute suspects of grave breaches present in its territory.
They have since written again to the police and CPS, demanding reconsideration and reaffirming their commitment to accountability.
Dyab Abou Jahjah, HRF Chairman, stated: “History will not absolve the British authorities for failing to arrest Isaac Herzog. In doing so, the police have abandoned the Palestinian victims of genocide, organised starvation, and destruction in Gaza, and have placed themselves on the side of impunity rather than justice.”
Lindsey German, Convener of Stop the War Coalition, added: “It is quite astonishing that Herzog has been welcomed at the highest level of government in Downing Street and that he has not been arrested for war crimes. Millions of people in Britain are horrified at the genocidal actions of the Israeli government.”
Anna Ost, ELSC Senior Legal Officer, said: “This is yet another example of UK institutions not only providing cover for, but actively enabling genocide. By refusing to act, the CPS is reinforcing a Western project of destruction in Gaza.”
Paul Heron, solicitor at the Public Interest Law Centre, remarked: “The Government deliberately puts a hurdle in place, insisting on the consent of the DPP before those suspected of war crimes can be arrested; it is now clear that this is being exploited to ensure that those demanding justice are silenced.”
The complaint comes amid widespread protests in London during Herzog’s visit, where thousands rallied outside Downing Street demanding his arrest for alleged war crimes in Gaza.
Similar calls were made by other groups, including the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP), which contacted Scotland Yard’s Counter Terrorism Command ahead of the visit, alleging Herzog’s liability for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and torture. Green Party MP Carla Denyer also urged Herzog’s arrest, noting his signing of an artillery shell fired into Gaza and referencing the International Court of Justice’s findings on risks of genocide.
Herzog met with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on September 10, in a discussion described by Herzog as “tough,” involving exchanges over humanitarian aid in Gaza.
The UK government condemned recent Israeli aggression in Doha but proceeded with the meeting, reaffirming support for Israel while calling for a ceasefire and aid surge. No official response from Israeli authorities to the specific complaint was immediately available, though Herzog has not been indicted by the International Criminal Court, and accusations remain unproven in court.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions over the UK’s role in enforcing international law amid the Gaza war, with critics accusing authorities of selective application and enabling impunity. The coalition vows to continue legal efforts with partners to uphold the rule of law.