UK To Face US Backlash Over ICC Warrant Of Arrest for Netanyahu

By Utebor Paul, Nigeria 

The United Kingdom may face retaliation from the United States if it helps enforce an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Hague-based court on Thursday issued warrants for Netanyahu and his former defence minister, Yoav Gallant, over allegations that Israel used food as a weapon during its campaign against Hamas in Gaza, a charge Israeli authorities have denied.

Senior Republican Senator Lindsey Graham warned against supporting the ICC’s actions, stating, “I will be introducing legislation that puts other countries on notice. If you aid and abet the ICC after their action against the State of Israel, you can expect consequences from the United States.” He further described any support for the ICC’s decision as a “reckless act that tramples the rule of law.”

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer backed the ICC’s move, aligning Britain with 123 other member nations required under international law to detain Netanyahu on sight.

The ICC also issued a warrant for Mohammed Deif, the leader of Hamas’ armed wing, over the October 7, 2023, attacks that escalated the conflict in Gaza. Deif is believed to have been killed in an Israeli airstrike.

Despite the ICC’s actions, Graham reiterated the US position against the court’s jurisdiction in this matter, warning that the United States would not allow the world to perceive this as legitimate.