UK could arrest Israeli PM following ICC war crimes warrants

Downing Street has suggested that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could face arrest in the UK if he were to travel there, following the issuance of an international arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

On November 21, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

While the UK government was initially hesitant to confirm whether Netanyahu would be arrested upon arrival, a spokesperson for Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer stated that the UK would fulfill its legal obligations in relation to the arrest warrant. "The UK will always comply with its legal obligations as set out by domestic and international law," the spokesperson affirmed.

The UK has not yet had to act on ICC arrest warrants, as no individuals sought by the court have previously visited the country. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, while acknowledging the UK's commitment to international law, declined to comment further on the specific processes involved, given the ICC's independence. She emphasized that the UK government’s focus remains on achieving a ceasefire in Gaza.

Labour MP Emily Thornberry, however, clarified that the UK, as a member of the ICC, would be obligated to arrest Netanyahu under the Rome Statute if he entered the country.

Other European nations have also expressed their readiness to comply with ICC warrants. Both Ireland and France have signaled that they would arrest Netanyahu if he arrived on their soil, with Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris unequivocally stating, "Yes, absolutely," in support of international law. In contrast, Germany, a strong supporter of the ICC due to its historical context, indicated that it would assess the situation if Netanyahu arrived, given its special relationship with Israel.

An arrest warrant was also issued for Hamas leader Mohammed Diab Ibrahim al-Masri, accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity in relation to the October 7 attacks in Israel. While Israel claims al-Masri was killed earlier this year, the ICC has not verified this and thus proceeded with issuing the warrant.

Netanyahu's office has condemned the ICC’s actions, calling the warrants “antisemitic” and asserting that they are based on “false and absurd” claims. Neither Israel nor the United States are members of the ICC, and Israel has long rejected the court's jurisdiction, denying accusations of war crimes in Gaza.

A recent poll conducted by Israel's 12th TV channel shows that 64 per cent of Israelis do not trust the cabinet of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In contrast, 30 per cent of respondents expressed trust in the current government.

The survey also revealed that 79 per cent of Israelis support the creation of a state commission to investigate the failures of Israel's political and military leadership during the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led invasion. Only 8 per cent opposed such an investigation, while 13 per cent were undecided.

Additionally, the poll asked about public opinion on a potential ceasefire with Lebanon’s Hezbollah. 54 per cent of respondents expressed support for such an agreement, while 24 per cent opposed it.

In a related development, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on November 21.

By Vafa Guliyeva