Live updates: Israel urges civilians to leave eastern Rafah as cease-fire hopes fade
NBCMAY 17 2024
UK Drops Objection to ICC Arrest Warrant for Netanyahu
Above: Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer Image copyright: Justin Tallis/WPA Pool/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
The UK has dropped its objection to the International Criminal Court's (ICC) arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
In May, Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor of the ICC, applied for arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant as well as Hamas leaders Ismail Haniyeh, Yahya Sinwar, and Mohammed Deif on suspicion of war crimes.
The government of then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described the move as "deeply unhelpful" and submitted an amicus brief on behalf of Israel in June.
The Spin
Left narrative
This development indicates the UK will take a stricter stance towards Israel, unlike the previous Conservative government. Israel and Hamas have both committed war crimes and crimes against humanity. Khan's case should be heard, though this is a matter for the court to decide.
Right narrative
This is a regressive step and could signal a policy shift away from Israel being a key UK ally. The government must reconsider the decision as it puts the UK at odds with its international allies and could upset Washington-brokered peace negotiations in the Middle East.