The UK Labour government has decided not to continue the previous administration’s challenge against the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) issuance of an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
This shift indicates a departure from the Conservative government’s stance on Israel and its conflict with Gaza.
In May, the ICC sought to issue arrest warrants for Netanyahu, his Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and several Hamas leaders for war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the October 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel and Israel’s retaliatory actions in Gaza.
ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan KC advocated for these warrants, stating they would underscore the equal value of all human lives.
While ICC judges are still deliberating the issuance of these warrants, approval would equate Netanyahu’s legal status to that of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who also faces an ICC arrest warrant for actions in Ukraine and risks arrest in ICC member countries.
Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s government had considered opposing the ICC’s authority to issue an arrest warrant for Netanyahu, arguing that it hindered efforts to pause fighting, secure hostage releases, and facilitate humanitarian aid. However, no formal challenge was lodged before the general election.
With the deadline for legal challenges extended to today, July 26, the new Labour-led government has let it lapse, indicating no further action will be taken against the ICC’s decision.
A spokesperson from No. 10 clarified that this does not signify either objection to or endorsement of the ICC’s actions but reaffirms the government’s commitment to the rule of law and separation of powers.
The new approach follows Labour leader Starmer’s appointment of Richard Hermer as attorney general, a prominent lawyer who has been granted a life peerage to serve in the cabinet despite not being an elected MP.
Hermer, along with other Jewish lawyers, has previously emphasized that Israel’s response to the Hamas attacks should adhere to international law.
Additionally, Foreign Secretary David Lammy recently reinstated funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), reversing a funding suspension imposed by the last government due to allegations of staff involvement in the October 7 attacks.
