ICC Ruling: Israeli PM, Netanyahu faces arrest, as UK pledges to fulfill its “legal obligations”

Netanyahu faces arrest

Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu risks arrest in the United Kingdom (UK) after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant against him on Thursday for alleged war crimes in Gaza.

Netanyahu faces arrest2

Downing Street has indicated that the UK would fulfil its “legal obligations” under international law if Netanyahu were to travel to the country.

The warrant, which also names Israel’s former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, stems from accusations of war crimes during the ongoing Gaza conflict. According to the ICC Act 2001, member States, including the UK, are obligated to endorse and execute warrants issued by the court.

While No 10 has refused to comment on specific cases, a government spokesperson confirmed the UK would adhere to its domestic and international legal commitments. Under the ICC Act, a designated minister must forward the court’s request to a judicial officer, who then determines whether the warrant should be endorsed for execution. The government would fulfil its obligations under the act and its legal obligations”, the spokesperson said, emphasising the independence of the ICC process.

The UK’s Attorney General Lord Hermer had previously stated that any advice regarding an ICC warrant would be strictly legal, uninfluenced by political considerations. He added that it is for the courts and government to decide their course of action.

Several European countries have pledged to implement the ICC’s decision, highlighting divisions among Western allies. Netanyahu has dismissed the ICC warrant as “antisemitic,” a sentiment echoed by Israeli officials. Similarly, Hamas has denied the allegations against its leaders.

Meanwhile, the Financial Times of London yesterday revealed 124 member countries of the International Criminal Court (ICC) are obligated to arrest “Israeli” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, if they enter their territories.

Some of the 124 member States, which include Nigeria, are: Afghanistan, Belgium, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Spain Sweden, Switzerland and the UK.

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