Is Keir Starmer really going to arrest Benjamin Netanyahu?
Nov 22, 2024
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Tom Gross, a Middle East commentator, joins the conversation to discuss the recent ICC arrest warrants issued for Israeli leaders, including Benjamin Netanyahu, over war crimes. He delves into the political motivations behind these warrants and their impact on Israel's political landscape and collective identity. Gross also analyzes the implications for UK-Israel relations, highlighting the challenges British leadership faces amidst domestic pressures. The reactions from U.S. politicians illustrate growing concerns about international law and its effects on democracy.
The ICC's arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant highlight the tension between international law and political maneuvering within the UK's government.
Despite the indictments, there is a notable rallying support for Netanyahu in Israel, perceived as a national attack rather than individual culpability.
Deep dives
ICC Arrest Warrants for Israeli Leaders
The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yov Galant for alleged war crimes, specifically relating to starvation as a method of warfare and crimes against humanity. This development seems politically motivated, as it excludes other generals from the war cabinet who are from the left-wing of Israeli politics, potentially aiming to destabilize Netanyahu's position. Despite the controversial nature of these warrants, there is a surprising rallying of support for Netanyahu within Israel, even among his political opponents, who see this move as an attack on the nation rather than an indictment of individual actions. Comparisons are drawn to historical events such as the Dreyfus trial in France, signifying a sense of victimization that Netanyahu and his supporters feel regarding this international legal action.
UK's Position and Political Ramifications
The implications of the ICC's decision pose a significant challenge for the UK government, which has pledged to adhere to the court's judgments under the leadership of Keir Starmer. With domestic political pressures mounting, particularly after Labour's losses to Gaza candidates, there is concern regarding how to navigate the legal responsibilities relative to Netanyahu's potential travel to the UK. The uncertainty surrounding the legal processes for dealing with Netanyahu's arrival in the country signals a lack of clarity within the current government and raises questions about its handling of international law versus political maneuvering. The issue highlights the complex relationship the UK has with international institutions, potentially painting it as a political actor rather than a neutral supporter of justice.
US Reaction and Future Criticism of International Institutions
The United States government, particularly under the anticipated leadership of Donald Trump, is expected to react strongly against the ICC's indictments, viewing them as an affront to democratic nations. Key Republican figures have expressed intentions to sanction those nations that align with the ICC's decisions, framing the indictments as a broader assault on democracy itself. This situation underscores a critical shift in how international institutions are perceived, with critics arguing that they have deviated from their intended purpose of addressing egregious human rights violations in non-democratic states. The Trump administration's stance may lead to heightened tensions with international bodies, as they advocate for a return to the original missions of these organizations.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defence minister Yoav Gallant as well as – separately – forHamas military leader, Mohammed Deif.
They are all wanted for alleged war crimes, but specifically regarding Netanyahu and Gallant the ICC say that, 'each bear criminal responsibility for ... the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare; and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts.' So why have these warrants been issued now? And what are the implications for Labour's relationship with Israel?
Oscar Edmondson speaks to James Heale and Tom Gross, commentator on the Middle East.
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