UK Drops Objection to ICC Arrest Warrant for Netanyahu

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Facts

  • The UK has dropped its objection to the International Criminal Court's (ICC) arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.[1]
  • In May, Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor of the ICC, applied for arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant as well as Hamas leaders Ismail Haniyeh, Yahya Sinwar, and Mohammed Deif on suspicion of war crimes.[2]
  • The government of then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described the move as 'deeply unhelpful' and submitted an amicus brief on behalf of Israel in June.[3]
  • The ICC initially set a July 12 deadline for the UK's legal submission. However, given the July 4 election that brought the Labour Party into power, the deadline was extended to July 26.[4]
  • Prime Minister Keir Starmer's spokesperson told reporters on Friday that the new government wouldn't interfere with the ICC's request, arguing that it 'believes very strongly in the rule of law, both internationally and domestically, and the separation of powers.'[5]
  • Meanwhile, the UK will likely restrict arms sales to Israel in the coming days, according to anonymous sources familiar with the matter. Last week, Foreign Secretary David Lammy ordered a comprehensive review of Israel's compliance with international humanitarian law.[6]

Sources: [1]Guardian, [2]Verity, [3]Timesofisrael, [4]Al Jazeera, [5]Reuters and [6]Middle East Eye.

Narratives

  • Left narrative, as provided by Guardian. This development indicates the UK will take a stricter stance towards Israel, unlike the previous Conservative government. Israel and Hamas have both committed war crimes and crimes against humanity. Khan's case should be heard, though this is a matter for the court to decide.
  • Right narrative, as provided by The Telegraph. This is a regressive step and could signal a policy shift away from Israel being a key UK ally. The government must reconsider the decision as it puts the UK at odds with its international allies and could upset Washington-brokered peace negotiations in the Middle East.

Predictions