UK reverses plans to challenge ICC arrest warrant request against Netanyahu

The UK will not intervene in the International Criminal Court's request for an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the office of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Friday.

This announcement reverses the plans of former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who was ousted earlier this month after Keir Starmer's Labour Party won a landslide victory over the Conservatives.

“This was a proposal by the previous government which was not submitted before the election, and which I can confirm the government will not be pursuing in line with our long-standing position that this is a matter for the court to decide,” a Starmer spokesperson said.

The ICC's prosecutor, Karim Khan, accused Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and three Hamas leaders — Yehya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif and Ismail Haniyeh — of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip and Israel.

• World reacts to ICC prosecutor's request for arrest warrants for Hamas leaders, Netanyahu

Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders condemned the move as disgraceful and antisemitic. US President Joe Biden also criticised the prosecutor and supported Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas — as did Sunak.

Khan sought warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant in May over Israel’s war in Gaza in a symbolic blow that deepened Israel’s isolation over the war in Gaza.

Israel is not a member of the court. Even if warrants are issued, Netanyahu and Gallant do not face any immediate risk of prosecution. However, the threat of arrest could complicate their ability to travel.

Starmer’s decision puts the UK at odds with US, though his office on Friday described the decision as based in a strong belief in the separation of powers and the rule of law domestically and internationally.

A challenging issue for Starmer and his party

Starmer, a former human rights lawyer, has faced pressure from his party to adopt a firmer stance on the Gaza crisis, especially as the death toll and number of injuries continue to rise.

London has also been the scene of huge protests decrying Israel’s actions intended to root out Hamas militants and has also reported record levels of antisemitic incidents.

Labour lost support and seats they were expected to win after Starmer initially declined to call for a ceasefire following Israel's retaliation for the October 7 attack by Hamas militants.

The party is still recovering from the fallout of a scandal involving antisemitism allegations against the leadership of Starmer’s predecessor, Jeremy Corbyn.