Herzog Meets Starmer at Downing Street, Calls for Hostage Release
London – September 10, 2025 – Israeli President Isaac Herzog met with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Wednesday at 10 Downing Street for talks focused on the war in Gaza, Iran’s nuclear program, and the urgent need to free hostages held by Hamas.
A Warm Welcome
Prime Minister Starmer greeted President Herzog outside the historic Downing Street residence before the two leaders held a private meeting, followed by broader diplomatic discussions with senior officials.
Herzog’s Call for Humanitarian Action
Speaking after the talks, Herzog stressed that the immediate and unconditional release of hostages remains a humanitarian necessity and the essential first step toward peace.
“Britain and Israel are friends, but among friends there are sometimes disagreements,” Herzog said. He warned that the UK’s consideration of recognizing a Palestinian state at this stage would not help resolve the conflict, free hostages, or support Palestinians. Instead, he argued, such a move would embolden extremists across the Middle East and beyond.
Concerns Over Recognition and Sanctions
Herzog expressed firm opposition to any notion of sanctions against Israel, which he described as “the only democracy in the region.” He also cautioned against repeating what he called Hamas propaganda about starvation in Gaza while 48 hostages remain in captivity.
He emphasized that Israel’s struggle against Iran and its terror proxies is part of the wider fight of the free world, which also includes the United Kingdom.
Shared Efforts Against Iran
The Israeli president thanked the British government for triggering the Snapback Mechanism on Iran’s nuclear program. He highlighted the importance of preventing Tehran from rebuilding nuclear capabilities, warning that Iran’s influence stretches beyond the Middle East into Europe and other parts of the world.
Looking Ahead
Both leaders agreed that the central priority remains securing the release of hostages, ending the conflict, and laying the foundation for rebuilding Gaza without Hamas control.
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