UK Government Drops ICC Jurisdiction Query on Netanyahu Arrest Warrant

The new UK government has decided to withdraw its request for the ICC's jurisdictional ruling on arrest warrants for Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and his defense minister. This move aligns with the Labour Party's stance on international law and departs from the previous Conservative government's position.

Britain's new government announced on Friday that it will be dropping its predecessor's challenge to the International Criminal Court's (ICC) jurisdiction to issue an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The ICC's chief prosecutor has sought arrest warrants for Netanyahu and defense minister Yoav Gallant on suspicion of war crimes, provoking anger in Israel and unease in the United States. The prosecutor also requested similar warrants for three Hamas leaders. Britain, an ICC member, had initially asked to present legal observations on whether the ICC could exercise jurisdiction over Israelis given that Palestine, under the Oslo Accords, cannot exercise criminal jurisdiction over Israeli nationals.

Following the Labour Party's recent election win, Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office stated that the new government would drop this query, adhering to its belief in the rule of law and the court's autonomy. Britain's Jewish organizations criticized the decision, fearing it might signal a shift in the UK's policy towards Israel.

During his recent address to European leaders, Starmer emphasized his government's respect for international law. The ICC has been probing alleged war crimes from both Israel and Palestine since 2021. While the UK's decision to drop its legal challenge won't expedite the ICC's case, many other states and interested parties will still submit their arguments.

(With inputs from agencies.)