UK reverses opposition to ICC arrest warrants of Netanyahu

UK reverses opposition to ICC arrest warrants of Netanyahu

The UK government reversed its opposition to the International Criminal Court (ICC) seeking an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on July 26th, Politico and agencies reported. 

“We’ve been very clear about the importance of the rule of law and the independence of the courts both domestically and internationally,” a spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, “and our position on this process matter is that it is for the courts and prosecutor to decide and that’s why we’ve not taken forward plans put forward by the previous government.” 

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On May 20th, ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan announced his plan to seek arrest warrants for Netanyahu — as well as Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallat and Hamas officials — for war crimes throughout the Israel-Gaza war. 

The final decision to determine Khan’s mission is likely to be delayed, as other countries could intervene in the case. 

Earlier reports predicted that the UK may have opted for this decision. July 26th marked the deadline to submit documents as part of a legal challenge against the ICC. The date had previously been extended due to the country’s general election and change of government earlier in the month. 

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The decision contrasts with the previous Conservative government’s request for written observations on whether the court could “exercise jurisdiction over Israeli nationals” given that the Palestinian Authority (PA) cannot exercise criminal jurisdiction over Israeli nationals. Though the Conservatives did not submit a full objection prior to the election.

Starmer reportedly sought the legal advice of Attorney General Richard Hermer — one of the Jewish lawyers who signed a letter to the Financial Times urging Israel to comply with international law.

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British Foreign Secretary David Lammy visited both Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories earlier in July. He met Netanyahu, as well as PA President Mahmoud Abbas, stressing the need for an immediate ceasefire and release of all hostages.

“In the Labour party, we believe in the rules-based order,” Lammy told CNN. “We believe in international law.”

Politico and agencies 

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