UK suggests it would comply with ICC warrant and arrest Netanyahu

The British government has said it will comply with its obligations under domestic and international law after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence minister.

On Thursday, the government refused to confirm whether Netanyahu would be arrested if he set foot on British soil.

On Friday afternoon, however, PA Media reported Prime Minister Keir Starmer's spokesperson as saying: "The UK will always comply with its legal obligations as set out by domestic law and indeed international law."

He added: "I’m not going to get ahead of the process or provide commentary on individual cases." 

As a member state of the ICC, Britain would be obligated to arrest Netanyahu if he entered the country, legal experts and commentators have told Middle East Eye.

In 2001, Tony Blair's Labour government passed the ICC Act, which enforces compliance with the court. 

There is a domestic legal process through which Britain's independent courts determine whether to endorse the warrant in accordance with the 2001 act.

The prime minister's spokesperson appeared to refer to this process in his statement. However, by saying Britain would comply with international law, he appeared to signal that the UK backs the ICC.

This is consistent with the Labour government's previous statements in support of the ICC.

In July, Britain dropped its previous objection to an arrest warrant being issued, which was filed by the previous Conservative government. 

The Labour government said: "This is a matter for the court to decide on." 

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