Netanyahu Warrant: UK to Follow Domestic Law on Arrest

The UK government has stated its intention to follow domestic legal processes regarding the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrant issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This comes after France suggested it might not enforce the warrant, sparking international debate about legal obligations and immunities.

“When it comes to the ICC judgment, as we’ve said previously, we’re not going to comment on specific cases,” stated Keir Starmer’s official spokesperson. “But we have a domestic legal process in the UK that follows the ICC Act of 2001 that includes various considerations as part of that process, including immunities.

“And that’s exactly why… we aren’t going to pre-empt the domestic legal process, which… has not been used in the UK before, as an ICC indictee has never travelled to the UK,” the spokesperson continued.

He added, “We respect the process that is set out under our domestic legislation.”

The spokesperson emphasized that it would be “wrong” to get ahead of the process, which remains uncharted territory in the UK. “This process has not been used in the UK before, because the UK has not been visited by an ICC indictee, and if it was, if there was such a visit, then there would be a court process and due process would be followed in relation to those issues.”

The legal ambiguity surrounding the situation stems from Israel’s non-membership in the ICC, a fact highlighted by the French Foreign Ministry. They argue that Netanyahu, along with other affected individuals, benefits from immunity due to this.

“This [immunity for Netanyahu] would be taken into consideration if the ICC was to ask us for their arrest and handing over,” the ministry stated in a written statement.

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier previously asserted in parliament that his nation would “rigorously” respect its obligations under international law, a stance echoed by France’s foreign minister in subsequent broadcast interviews.

This complex legal situation arises amidst the ICC issuing warrants last week for Netanyahu, his former defense minister, and Hamas’s military chief. All three face accusations of crimes against humanity related to the 13-month conflict in Gaza.

What is the UK’s stated position on the‍ ICC arrest​ warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu?

## Netanyahu Warrant: UK to‍ Follow Domestic Law⁣ on Arrest – Interview with Professor Smith

**Host:** ⁤Welcome back to the show. Joining us today is Professor Smith, an expert ​in international law,‍ to⁢ discuss⁤ the International ‌Criminal ‌Court (ICC) warrant issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the UK’s response. Professor Smith, the ​UK government has said it will follow domestic‌ legal processes regarding the arrest warrant. What does this mean in practical terms?

**Professor Smith:** Essentially, the ‍UK government is stating its intention to carefully ​consider its own laws⁢ and precedents⁢ before⁤ deciding how to‍ act on the ICC warrant.⁢ They ​haven’t made a definitive⁣ statement about whether or not they ⁤will arrest Netanyahu if he were to visit the UK. [[1](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cly2exvx944o)]⁣ mentions that France suggested they ‌may not enforce the warrant, ⁣which has triggered this debate about legal obligations and immunities for heads of state. ‍The UK ⁣is walking a tightrope here, ⁣balancing its commitment to ‍international law with‍ its diplomatic relations and domestic legal considerations.

**Host:** The ICC’s decision has caused ​quite a stir, with Hamas welcoming ‌the warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant. How do you think this ‌will impact the ongoing‌ conflict?

**Professor ​Smith:** ⁢It’s⁤ a complex ⁢situation. While the ICC’s aim is to hold individuals accountable for war crimes, the political ramifications are​ significant. ⁤Hamas’s statement indicates the ​warrant could ⁤be⁢ used as a‍ propaganda tool, ⁤further exacerbating tensions. Ultimately, ‍it remains to be seen​ how this​ development ⁢will impact the broader peace process.

**Host:** Thank you, ‌Professor Smith, ‌for shedding light ⁢on this ​complicated issue.