The UK Urged to Drop Legal Challenge Against ICC’s Arrest Warrants for Israeli Leaders
The UK’s new government is facing pressure to withdraw its legal challenge against the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) seeking of arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to drop the case, stating that it is “absolutely critical” for the UK to do so.
Earlier this year, former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had challenged the ICC’s issuance of warrants against the Israeli leaders. However, Karim Khan, the ICC’s top prosecutor, recently stated that there was a credible case against Netanyahu and Gallant for crimes against humanity.
Yasmine Ahmed, the UK director of HRW, emphasized the importance of the new government withdrawing the legal challenge. The Guardian had previously reported that the new government was expected to drop the case, but senior British diplomats later disputed these rumors, stating that the decision was still under review.
Under ICC guidelines, the new UK government has until July 26 to make a decision on whether to continue with the legal challenge. Ahmed urged the Labour government to pursue “progressive realism,” an ideology proposed by the new Foreign Secretary David Lammy. She questioned whether the UK government would adhere to its own statements of complying with international law and supporting the rules-based order by withdrawing its application to intervene in the ICC case.
Ahmed acknowledged the complexity of the world’s current crises and emphasized the need for the UK government to act in accordance with its rhetoric. She praised Labour’s decision to resume British funding of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, leaving the US as the only country yet to resume funding for UNRWA following the boycott earlier this year.
“We cannot promote a rules-based order in international law if we’re not also replicating that domestically,” said Ahmed. She emphasized the importance of giving the government an opportunity to live up to its rhetoric.
The ICC’s pursuit of arrest warrants against Israeli leaders has been a contentious issue. Critics argue that it is politically motivated and targets Israel unfairly. However, proponents argue that it is necessary to hold individuals accountable for potential crimes against humanity.
The decision by the UK government on whether to drop the legal challenge will have significant implications. It will not only determine the UK’s stance on international law and the ICC but also impact its relationship with Israel and the wider Middle East region.
The UK has previously expressed support for the rules-based international order and compliance with international law. Withdrawing the legal challenge would align with these principles and demonstrate a commitment to upholding justice and accountability.
As the July 26 deadline approaches, all eyes are on the UK government to see how it will respond to the calls to drop the case. The decision will undoubtedly shape the country’s foreign policy and its standing in the international community.