Israeli ambassador evacuated from London event amid pro-Palestinian protest

Israel’s ambassador to the United Kingdom was forced to leave an event flanked by bodyguards after a large group of pro-Palestinian activists gathered outside to protest her attendance.

In video that has now gone viral, Israeli Ambassador to the U.K. Tzipi Hotovely was seen leaving the London School of Economics carrying a bouquet of flowers when she was approached by people shouting, “Aren’t you ashamed?”

Hotovely’s bodyguards were seen blocking protesters from approaching her and escorted the ambassador to her car. 

Hotovely said that she was invited to speak with students at the London School of Economics for a discussion about a new era in the Middle East and that she “will not be intimidated.”

“I will continue to share the Israeli story and hold open dialogue with all parts of British society,” she said.

I’m thankful for all the support I have received from the British government, many friends and partners.

I had an excellent event at #LSE and I will not be intimidated. I will continue to share the Israeli story and hold open dialogue with all parts of British society. pic.twitter.com/12xFp87Kc2

— Tzipi Hotovely (@TzipiHotovely) November 10, 2021

The protesters had specifically targeted the event and said that Hotovely “advocated for settler colonialism, engaged in Islamophobic rhetoric and has perpetuated anti-Palestinian racism,” per The Guardian.

Hotovely, a supporter of Israel’s settlement movement, opposes the two-state solution and previously served as Israel’s settlements minister. 

The embassy also added that the event was a “successful, open and fruitful discussion that went ahead as planned.”

In a statement to The Hill, an Israeli Embassy spokesperson said that “the violence that occurred when the ambassador left the premises after the talk will not deter Israeli diplomats from engaging in meaningful dialogue with all parts of the British society.”

| NEW: Israeli ambassador Tzipi Hotovely fleeing the London School of Economics

pic.twitter.com/fh4GxnCDS3

— Politics For All (@PoliticsForAlI) November 9, 2021

In a statement on Twitter from its official handle, the embassy added that “the aggressive actions of protestors yesterday run counter to all principles of justice and tolerance in both our democracies. As we engage with British society, we will continue to overcome extremism and to condemn violence in all forms.”

British officials on Wednesday also condemned what they described as the intimidation of the Israeli ambassador in London by pro-Palestinian protesters, according to Reuters.

British Home Secretary Priti Patel said on Twitter that she was disgusted by the treatment of Hotovely and has urged London’s Metropolitan Police to investigate the matter.