Netanyahu in the Knesset in 2023

Weekly Politics Summary – 25/05/24: ICC Targets Netanyahu

ICC arrest warrant for Netanyahu and Hamas

On Monday the 19th, the International Criminal Court, based in the Hague, applied for an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, and Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. The ICC believes Netanyahu has committed war crimes in Gaza. Three senior Hamas leaders, Yahya Sinwar, Hamas leader, Mohammed Diab Ibrahim Al-Masri, Al-Qassam Brigades, and Ismail Haniyeh, Head of Hamas Political Bureau. 

Shortly after, Spain, Ireland, and Norway recognised Palestine as an Independent state. Gaza and Palestine have de-facto independent states due to the rule of Hamas and Fatah. 

The Palestine authority is governed by Mahmoud Abbas, part of Fatah, formerly the Palestinian National Liberation Movement. Fatah has control over the West Bank, whereas Hamas has control over Gaza. 

Biden and Sunak have commented on Netanyahu’s arrest warrant. Biden said “The US does not recognize ICC Jurisdiction” and Sunak said, “The warrant will not help the situation in Gaza”. The arrest and prosecution of Netanyahu, for alleged war crimes, would set a pretext for the arrest of former US Presidents. Presidents for alleged war crimes would include George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama.  

George H.W. Bush for the alleged bombing of Iraqi infrastructure and civilians, during the Gulf War in 1991. Bill Clinton for the alleged bombing of civilian infrastructure in Serbia. George W. Bush for the alleged indefinite detention of terror suspects in Guantanamo Bay. Barack Obama for the alleged use of mass drone strikes in Pakistan, Yemen, and Somalia, targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure. 

It is unlikely that Israel or Hamas would comply with the arrest warrant if approved. 

UK General Election on July 4th

On Wednesday, Rishi Sunak announced that the UK General Election is set for July 4th. His team has decided on this day, due to increased sporting/ leisure events pre-occupying young people. Increasing Rishi Sunak’s chance of winning.  

Rishi Sunak General Election announcement
Image belong to Copyright Holder. Image from – Getty Images

Sunak is campaigning on his economic success and revival of the UK, with inflation dropping by 9% since he became Prime Minister. Furthermore, he is emphasising that he is the Prime Minister to tackle inflation, with the deportation of illegal migrants. Despite this, legal migration has skyrocketed during Rishi Sunak’s tenure as Prime Minister. 

Keir Starmer, leader of the opposition, is campaigning to reduce the cost of living in the UK, tackle housing shortages, and rebuild the NHS. Although the economy has improved under Sunak, the housing shortage is still yet to be fully resolved. 


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Cover Image – Yonatan Sindel/Flash90