Netanyahu refused to meet with UK FM over ICC clash
2 Min Read
Netanyahu rejects requests for meeting with UK FM David Lammy after the UK retracted its objections and delays regarding the ICC arrest warrants against the prime minister and his security minister.
-
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, left and Security Minister Yoav Gallant attend a press conference in the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv, occupied Palestine, October 28, 2023. (AP)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refused to meet with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy during his visit to "Israel" on `saturday, a decision provoked by Labour's recent decision to renounce the United Kingdom's objections to the Internationcal Criminal Court's arrest warrants against Netanyahu and his Security Minister, Yoav Gallant.
The UK reportedly requested several meetings with Netanyahu, all of which were rejected under claims of "scheduling conflicts".
According to Israeli Channel 13, Lammy's visit primarly aimed at discussing the impending retaliatory attacks by Hezbollah and Iran, as "Israel" hoped to gain London's support in countering any response.
Last month, Labour premier Keir Starmer decided to drop the Tory governments delays on the issuance of arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant for international war crimes in Gaza.
The court is still studying whether it has the jurisdiction to issue these arrest warrants, an unusual situation that lacks a legal precedent.
Israeli officials familiar with the matter told the Israeli newspaper Haaretz that diplomatic pressure is being exerted on the ICC to delay the issuance of the warrants against the Israeli prime minister and his security minister. Yet, the same officials are unsure if these measures will affect the court's final decision.
International support for 'Israel' continues to dwindle
A panel of international judges is expected to rule on the matter, however, no clear timeline on the issue exists. The panel has received legal opinions from several nations, international organizations, and experts.
Among the countries that support the ICC's jurisdiction over the issue were Norway and Ireland. In response to Norway's recognition of the international court's authority, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz revoked the diplomatic status of eight Norwegian diplomats.
On the other hand, Germany submitted a legal opinion supporting the Israeli regime's position.
"There's no similar precedent we can point to or from which we could learn [what may happen]," an Israeli official told Haaretz.
Read more: 120 rights orgs. urge Biden to respect ICC independence
