Home Secretary Dodges Question on Potential Arrest of Netanyahu in UK

November 22, 2024 TruthUSA

Downing Street confirmed its support for the independence of the International Criminal Court and emphasized its focus on securing an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper declined to affirm whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would face arrest in the UK following a warrant issued by the ICC.

Cooper stated that there are proper processes to be followed when ICC investigations intersect with UK law enforcement, noting that in most cases, such scenarios do not materialize.

Regarding the possibility of Netanyahu’s arrest, Cooper stated, “That’s not within my purview as home secretary,” while recognizing the ICC’s independence and role, highlighting Britain’s objective of achieving a ceasefire in Gaza.

These statements were made after Downing Street reiterated its support for the ICC following the issuance of warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant regarding their actions in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The prime minister’s spokesperson underscored the significance of the Hague-based court, of which the UK is a member, as the primary international body for investigating and prosecuting serious international crimes.

“This government has voiced its support for Israel’s right to self-defense under international law. There exists no moral equivalence between democratic Israel and the terrorist organizations Hamas and Lebanese Hezbollah.

“Our priority remains achieving an immediate ceasefire to halt the destructive violence in Gaza, essential for protecting civilians, securing hostage releases, and increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza,” the spokesperson emphasized.

When probed about Netanyahu’s potential arrest in the UK, the response was, “We will not entertain hypothetical scenarios.”

Arrest Warrant

The ICC stated Netanyahu and Gallant were criminally accountable for “the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare, and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts.”

Netanyahu’s office rebuffed the “absurd and untrue actions” attributed to Israel by the ICC.

Additionally, the court issued a warrant for Mohammed Diab Ibrahim Al-Masri, a Hamas leader also known as Mohammed Deif, who Israeli authorities suspect may already be deceased.

The warrants were issued for “crimes against humanity and war crimes committed from at least 8 October 2023 until at least 20 May 2024.”

The U.S. government has condemned the ICC’s decision, while Canada and Australia have upheld it.

MPs React to ICC Decision

British MPs, including shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel, have called on the Labour government to denounce the ICC’s decision.

Patel expressed concern on X platform, stating that issuing arrest warrants for Israel’s elected leader and former defense minister is alarming and provocative.

She warned that such actions draw a false moral equivalence with Hamas’s terrorist leadership.

Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s government initially intended to challenge the ICC’s authority to order Israeli nationals’ arrests. However, Labour, which took office in July, later abandoned these plans.

A Labour spokeswoman noted that the ICC had received sufficient submissions to independently determine the matter.

Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesman Calum Miller stressed the importance of obeying international law and upholding the ICC ruling, including enforcing arrest warrants.

Labour MP Zarah Sultana urged the government to comply with the ICC, suspend trade deals with Israel, halt arms sales, and impose economic sanctions.

Labour MP and former shadow chancellor John McDonnell asserted, “The UK must always adhere to international law.”

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, Plaid Cymru’s Liz Saville Roberts, and Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer echoed calls to cease UK arms sales to Israel.

PA Media contributed to this report.

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