Massive Demonstrations Erupt in London Against Israeli Arms Fair and Visit from Herzog

At the Defense and Security Equipment International (DSEI) arms fair at London’s ExCeL Center, demonstrators clashed with law enforcement as more than 50 Israeli arms companies showcased military technology among 1,600 other exhibitors.

In several instances, law enforcement officers utilized physical measures to uphold the perimeter around event participants, resulting in injuries for a number of demonstrators.

A protester was seen lying motionless in a restricted area, appearing to be unresponsive and handcuffed, before paramedics transported the individual in an ambulance.

Authorities surrounded and temporarily detained approximately 20 protesters, among them Buddhist monk Ajahn Santamono, for no less than an hour. Subsequently, all of the demonstrators, except one, were released without facing arrest.

Santamano described the occurrence as “obscene” and expressed being “horrified” at the police’s response.

He stated that individuals complicit in genocide and mass murder receive protection and support, whereas those with a conscience who attempt to protest these actions face arrest, criminalization, and violence.

The DSEI arms exhibition is showcasing companies such as Rafael and Israel Aerospace Industries, both associated with the Tel Aviv administration. This occurs despite the UK government’s decision to exclude the official Israeli delegation from participation, in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Elbit Systems, Israel’s leading arms manufacturer and a major supplier of the country’s drone fleet, has announced its intention to take part.

Anna Stavrianakis, a scholar specializing in the international arms trade at Sussex University, described the DSEI exhibition as a convergence of warfare and commerce.

The Defense and Security Equipment International (DSEI) event is often portrayed as a trade fair. However, it serves as a platform where governmental and military objectives related to conflict and defense closely align with corporate ambitions to maximize technology sales.

“It’s truly a significant occasion for all the participating arms dealers. It’s an event where networks are built, agreements are contemplated, and weaponry is showcased,” she remarked.

Thousands of demonstrators gathered outside the UK Prime Minister’s office in central London for an “emergency protest” against the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog. The protesters are demanding his arrest upon his arrival, scheduled for later on Tuesday.

Demonstrators, waving Palestinian flags, voiced their disapproval of Prime Minister Keir Starmer for allowing the visit to proceed.

The audience voiced strong criticism of Herzog, accusing him of endorsing and aiding the indiscriminate killing of civilians in Gaza. They urged the British government to pursue an arrest warrant for the Israeli leader.

The Israeli head of state has embarked on a three-day visit to London, where he is scheduled to hold discussions with Starmer, engage with UK lawmakers, public representatives, and members of the media.

Protesters voiced their support for Palestine and criticized the government, chanting, “Keir Starmer, you can’t hide, we charge you with genocide.”

Protesters displayed numerous signs condemning Israeli military actions in Gaza, and some attendees labeled Herzog as the “genocide president.”

Numerous British politicians have called on Starmer to avoid meeting with Herzog amid the ongoing Israeli actions in Gaza, which have led to considerable suffering.

A significant number of British lawmakers have contacted the UK Prime Minister to express their concerns over the decision to allow Herzog’s visit to proceed.

On Tuesday, independent members of parliament expressed criticism towards the British government for its announcement that it has yet to ascertain if Israel’s actions indicate genocidal intent, despite the “appalling” suffering faced by civilians.

In a communique dated September 1 and disclosed on Monday evening, former Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who departed from the position last Friday and was succeeded by Yvette Cooper, asserted that the “crime of genocide is established exclusively when there is a specific ‘intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group.’”

The government has not reached a determination that Israel is acting with such intent.

Independent Member of Parliament Iqbal Mohamed has characterized Lammy’s letter as “despicable,” expressing strong disapproval.

He stated that it “confirms the government’s stance that Palestinians are not entitled to protection from bombings or starvation.”

Independent MP Ayoub Khan criticized Lammy’s argument, labeling it as flawed. He stated, “The intent to commit genocide could not be clearer.”

Israeli leaders have made public statements indicating that Gaza will be “erased,” with declarations asserting the non-existence of civilians in the region. Additionally, some ministers have labeled Palestinians as “human animals.” This rhetoric has been accompanied by actions resulting in the reported deaths of tens of thousands, widespread hunger among children, and the destruction of essential infrastructure, including hospitals, universities, and water systems, effectively dismantling the civic fabric of life. The intent, as suggested, appears to be explicit.

Khan stated that disregarding the situation is both a legal and ethical illusion.

The Israeli military has continued its intense military actions in Gaza since October 7, 2023, ignoring international calls for a ceasefire and resulting in the reported deaths of at least 64,605 Palestinians, the majority of whom are women and children.

The continuous airstrikes have devastated the region, leading to severe food shortages.