Thousands rallied outside the Defense and Security Equipment International (DSEI) arms fair, held at ExCeL in East London, to denounce the presence of Israeli arms companies. Despite the UK government banning Israeli delegations, arms manufacturers like Elbit Systems, Rafael, and Israel Aerospace Industries exhibited their wares.

Protesters, including Quakers in a peaceful interfaith "No Faith in War" action, highlighted the moral implications of the UK's role in facilitating the arms trade as "Israel" carries out its genocide in Gaza.

Police used force to control the protests, leading to the injury of several demonstrators, with one reportedly rendered unconscious and handcuffed before being removed by medics. Additionally, around 20, including Buddhist monk Ajahn Santamono, were detained briefly.

Santamono called the event “obscene,” lamenting that "people who contribute to genocide… are protected and supported."

Herzog's UK visit sparks mass mobilization

Simultaneously, in central London, a major demonstration erupted outside Downing Street as Israeli President Isaac Herzog arrived for a three-day UK visit. Thousands waving Palestinian flags demanded that PM Keir Starmer issue an arrest warrant for Herzog, branding him the "genocide president".

Campaign group Friends of Al-Aqsa formally requested an arrest warrant via Britain’s director of public prosecutions, arguing Herzog’s October 2023 remarks and actions may constitute incitement, war crimes, or even genocide.

Inside Parliament, MPs from Labour and independent ranks voiced concern that engaging with Herzog risks signaling UK indifference toward international law and humanitarian suffering.

Green party condemnation

The Green Party strongly opposed Herzog's visit. Leader Zack Polanski called Herzog a "potential war criminal" and demanded his arrest, accusing him of complicity in the "ongoing genocide in Gaza."

Co-deputy leader Mothin Ali criticized the UK government for welcoming Herzog and giving a platform for over 50 Israeli arms companies to showcase "battle-tested" weaponry used in war crimes against Palestinians. 

Ali emphasized that allowing such participation reflects complicity and undermines Britain’s obligations under international law. The Greens argued that the UK’s failure to detain Herzog violates the Geneva Convention, which obligates states to prevent the targeting of civilians.

Lammy says no genocide in Gaza

Despite the government banning an official Israeli delegation, Israeli defense contractors were permitted to attend DSEI, drawing sharp criticism. Campaigners accused the UK of complicity in genocide by allowing such a showcase.

The UK government, however, has stated it does not consider the ongoing assault on Gaza to constitute genocide. In a letter from former Foreign Secretary David Lammy, it was affirmed that the "crime of genocide occurs only where there is specific intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial or religious group" and that the UK has not concluded that "Israel" is acting with that intent.

This comes amid a sustained wave of Palestine solidarity protests in London, tracing back to massive mobilizations since October 2023. The UK has witnessed repeated vigils, rallies, and direct actions, including a decades-long tradition of protest against arms firms, showcasing public outrage at the genocide in Gaza.