UK Drops Plans To Challenge ICC Arrest Warrant Request Against Benjamin Netanyahu

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office said Friday the U.K. will not interfere with the International Criminal Court's request for an arrest warrant against Benjamin Netanyahu. Labour under former human rights lawyer Keir Starmer swept to power on July 4, defeating the Tories in a landslide general election win.

The decision puts distance between Starmer's government and the plans of former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who had planned to challenge the warrant.

The ICC had set a deadline for Friday for the government to file a challenge.

“This was a proposal by the previous government which was not submitted before the election, and which I can confirm the government will not be pursuing in line with our long standing position that this is a matter for the court to decide on,” said one Downing Street spokeswoman.

(With agency Inputs.)