UK Abandons Objections to ICC Warrant for Netanyahu, Signaling Foreign Policy Shift

Britain Shifts Foreign Policy on Israel’s International Criminal Court Case

On Friday, the United Kingdom officially announced that it would abandon its plans to contest the pursuit of an international warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the International Criminal Court (ICC). This decision highlights a notable shift in the UK’s foreign policy under the leadership of the new Prime Minister, Keir Starmer.

This move signifies a departure from the closely aligned stance the previous Conservative government maintained with U.S. policy regarding Israel. According to two individuals familiar with the government’s discussions, Starmer is set to withdraw the previous government’s objections to the ICC’s pursuit of warrants by the end of this week.

Downing Street confirmed on Friday that Starmer, a former human rights lawyer, has opted not to submit any objections to the court, contrary to the plans laid out by his predecessor, Rishi Sunak. An official spokesperson for Starmer stated, “This was a proposal by the previous government which was not submitted before the election, and I can confirm the government will not be pursuing it, in line with our longstanding position that this is a matter for the court to decide.” The spokesperson further emphasized, “The government believes strongly in the rule of law and separation of powers.”

In May, the ICC prosecutor, Karim Khan, revealed that he had requested warrants for Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity in connection with Israel’s military actions in Gaza, including the alleged starvation of civilians. Simultaneously, Khan sought warrants for three Hamas leaders for similar accusations.

Sunak previously characterized the request for warrants against Israeli officials as “deeply unhelpful,” while senior government minister Andrew Mitchell asserted in Parliament, “We do not think that the ICC has jurisdiction in this case.” In early June, the government had sought permission from the ICC to submit objections, with a deadline for arguments initially set for July 12, but this was extended until Friday following Sunak’s announcement of a general election.

The decision not to intervene in the ICC proceedings marks the second significant departure from U.S. policy on Israel by the new British government since the recent general election. Just last week, David Lammy, the newly appointed Foreign Secretary, announced plans to restore funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which provides essential support to Palestinians.

Additionally, the government is currently reviewing its policy on arms sales to Israel, a decision that will hinge on official legal advice regarding whether Israel has violated international law during its operations in Gaza. The Israeli Foreign Ministry has refrained from commenting on the matter.

Husam Zomlot, the Palestinian ambassador to the United Kingdom, welcomed the British government’s decision not to intervene in the ICC case, describing it as a “significant step in aligning the U.K. with the rule of law.”

Aaron Boxerman contributed to this report.