Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar is expected to make an unannounced trip to the United Kingdom this week, according to sources familiar with the plans.
The visit, shrouded in secrecy, would be the most senior Israeli visit to Britain since Israel’s military campaign in Gaza began in late 2023.
Details about the visit remain tightly controlled, with no official announcement made by either government. However, five individuals with knowledge of the trip told Middle East Eye that Sa’ar is scheduled to arrive in the UK this week, likely to meet British officials behind closed doors.
The timing of the visit is notable, as international scrutiny of Israel’s actions in Gaza remains intense. The ongoing war, now in its second year, has drawn widespread condemnation over civilian casualties and humanitarian suffering. Discussions during Sa’ar’s visit are expected to focus on ceasefire negotiations, humanitarian concerns, and possible political or diplomatic pathways to resolve the conflict.
While Sa’ar is not currently facing legal action, his visit comes as international legal proceedings continue against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Both face International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrants for alleged war crimes related to Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
Sa’ar’s record has made him a controversial figure internationally. Known for his strong opposition to Palestinian statehood and restrictions on aid to Gaza, his arrival is likely to draw criticism from human rights advocates and some British lawmakers. His stance has previously been cited as a major obstacle in diplomatic talks concerning a long-term peace solution.
The trip also takes place against the backdrop of increased pressure on the UK government to support Palestinian statehood. A growing number of Labour MPs are urging the Foreign Office to formally recognize Palestine, especially as discussions continue at a French-Saudi-led UN summit focused on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In recent months, several Israeli military officials have visited the UK quietly, often for meetings related to security coordination and intelligence sharing. However, Sa’ar’s presence marks a higher level of engagement and may signal an attempt by the Israeli government to strengthen diplomatic ties amid mounting global criticism.
The UK has yet to confirm any meeting or comment on the visit. As the situation in Gaza continues to worsen, the international community is watching how British-Israeli relations unfold, especially with growing calls for accountability and peace.