Alert+

Protests Expected in London During Israeli President’s Visit

Heightened Security in London as Pro-Palestine Groups Mobilise

Intelligence cut off: 12:00 BST 10 SEPTEMBER 2025

Israeli President Isaac Herzog is scheduled to visit London to meet with leaders of the local Jewish community and with British political and government figures, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Herzog is expected to be in the United Kingdom between 9 and 11 September, with the meeting with Starmer occurring on 10 September in Downing Street, the official residence of the prime minister in central London.

Several pro-Palestine groups have called for Herzog to be detained or denied entry to the United Kingdom in response to the ongoing war in Gaza. The Palestine Solidarity Campaign, an umbrella organisation that coordinates several pro-Palestine groups, has called for protests throughout Herzog’s stay in London. A small protest occurred on 9 September in Whitehall. Protests have been scheduled to occur on 10 September during Herzog’s speech at Chatham House, in St James’s Square, at 17:30 local time, and another rally in Whitehall at 19:00 during the Starmer-Herzog meeting.

Separately from Herzog’s visit, protests are also planned to occur on 10 September, targeting a defence and security technology fair – DSEI UK. The event is taking place at ExCel London, Royal Victoria Dock. The scheduled protest consists of a ‘pots and pans’ action, where participants seek to make as much noise as possible to disrupt an event, and will begin at 17:00 local time, coinciding with the end of activity for the day.

INTELLIGENCE ANALYSIS

Risk of Transport Disruptions and Sporadic Unrest in Central London

The protests follow a period of worsening relations between Israel and the United Kingdom, linked with the ongoing war in Gaza. Recent developments in both Gaza and the United Kingdom are likely to exacerbate the protests. First, on 6 September, UK police carried out around 900 arrests at a pro-Palestine demonstration in central London, with the majority of the arrested being accused of supporting a proscribed terror group, Palestine Action. Second, on 9 September, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) issued evacuation orders for the entirety of Gaza City, in preparation for a large-scale offensive meant to occupy the city. Third, Israel launched a series of high-profile airstrikes in Doha on 9 September targeting Hamas’ exiled leadership, a move that has been widely condemned by the international community.

The Metropolitan Police will likely be able to secure the areas of Whitehall and St James’s Square during the scheduled meeting, and the protests are likely to remain peaceful. However, the unrest is highly likely to result in transport disruptions in the nearby areas, particularly affecting the nearby public transport system. Cases of sporadic violence and vandalism, particularly targeting large multinational companies linked to Israel, cannot be discounted. Direct action-style protests, including road and public transport blockades, remain likely during the 10-11 September period.

Travel and Safety Guidance for Central London During Unrest

Closely monitor government alerts and local news reports.
Monitor the Transport for London official site for reports on possible disruptions to public transport.
Reassess the need to travel to the Whitehall and St James’s areas.
Allocate additional time for all road travel through central London.
If caught in a protest, try to move away if it is safe to do so, and always abide by authority directions.
If you are unable to leave, take precautions to minimise risks. These include moving away from hard barriers, remaining upright, and moving with and not against the crowd.
Have emergency contact numbers saved on your phone. These should include local authorities, medical facilities and any consular support.
Ensure that mobile phones are charged ahead of travel.
Monitor local news for relevant updates.