The Case:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. This unprecedented move has raised questions about how the UK, as a member of the ICC, would respond if Netanyahu visited British soil.
Downing Street indicated it would adhere to legal obligations but avoided direct confirmation of any arrest plans. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer’s spokesman reiterated the UK’s commitment to its legal responsibilities under ICC statutes. Meanwhile, Labour’s Emily Thornberry, chair of the foreign affairs committee, stated unequivocally that Britain is required to execute ICC warrants under the Rome Statute.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasised the UK’s respect for international law but refrained from commenting directly on the specifics of such processes. The government remains focused on advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Netanyahu’s office dismissed the arrest warrants as “antisemitic,” rejecting the ICC’s jurisdiction. The US also criticized the move, with President Joe Biden condemning the ICC’s actions and drawing a sharp distinction between Israel and Hamas. Similarly, the Board of Deputies of British Jews and former Israeli leaders criticized the court’s decision.
This is the first time the ICC has targeted a sitting leader of a significant Western ally, adding a new layer of tension to international responses to the Gaza conflict.
