UK reaffirms ICC support, navigating diplomatic tightrope amid Netanyahu arrest warrant and Middle East tensions.
LONDON — The British government reaffirmed its commitment to the International Criminal Court (ICC), emphasizing the institution’s vital role in global justice, particularly in prosecuting the most severe international crimes.
The UK Prime Minister’s Spokesperson, Dave Pares, highlighted the ICC as the “primary international institution for investigating and prosecuting the most serious crimes of international concern,” reflecting the United Kingdom’s stance on the ongoing Israel-Gaza war.
This declaration comes in response to the recent ICC arrest warrant issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, alleging “crimes against humanity and war crimes.”
Does ICC Arrest Warrant on Netanyahu Put Starmer on Tightrope?
The situation places Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration in a challenging diplomatic position, balancing domestic and international pressures while navigating the complexities of the Middle East conflict..
Upon taking office after a landslide victory in July, Starmer’s government promptly signaled a shift from the previous Conservative administration’s policies.
This included lifting objections to the ICC’s investigations, restricting arms exports to Israel, and reinstating funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), previously criticized by Israel. However, this nuanced approach has attracted criticism from multiple fronts.
Pro-Palestinian factions within the Labour Party argue that Starmer’s measures fall short, accusing him of merely symbolic gestures without substantial impact, Politico reported on Friday.
Meanwhile, pro-Israel voices express concern that Britain’s policy shift could strain relationships with a key ally.
Leslie Turnberg, who is a prominent member of the House of Lords and Labour Friends of Israel, said, “We’ve taken the wrong direction. The signals being given are not helpful and could be seen as counterproductive.”
Starmer’s administration has always appeared to maintain a carefully balanced position, especially as seen in its latest concerns over addressing the ICC’s warrant.
The Prime Minister’s spokesperson noted that Britain would “comply with its legal obligations” under international law, as that remains ICC’s role in maintaining accountability for severe global crimes.
However, the government also drew a clear distinction, stating, “There is no moral equivalence between Israel, a democracy, and Hamas and Hezbollah, which are terrorist organizations.”
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper echoed this cautious stance. When pressed on whether Netanyahu would be arrested if he entered the UK, she emphasized that any such decision would follow due legal processes, stating, “Proper processes must be followed, and it would be inappropriate for me to speculate.”
This balanced approach has not placated all critics. Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, now an independent MP, urged the government to fully endorse the ICC’s decision. “The bare minimum,” Corbyn asserted, “is immediate endorsement of the ICC’s stance.”
