US Senator Lindsey Graham warns UK over Netanyahu arrest

Remarks come after EU Chief Borrell reiterates EU member states are obligated to enforce all arrest warrants

US Senator Lindsey Graham has issued a stern warning to the United Kingdom, threatening to harm its economy if it proceeds with the potential arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Graham’s comments were made in response to the growing calls for the arrest of Netanyahu over alleged war crimes amid the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.

His remarks come after European Union Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell reiterated that EU member states are obligated to enforce any arrest warrants issued in connection with international legal decisions.

Borrell’s statement raised the possibility of actions being taken against Israeli officials, including Netanyahu, in the wake of accusations related to the Israeli military’s actions in Gaza and other Palestinian territories.

The US Senator's comments underscore the tension between Western allies, as Graham emphasized the potential economic repercussions for the UK if it were to follow through on any arrest orders related to Netanyahu. The diplomatic dispute highlights the complex international dynamics at play regarding Israel’s policies and actions in the region.

As of now, no arrest orders have been officially issued, and the matter remains a significant point of contention in global discussions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The British government indicated on November 22 that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could be arrested on an International Criminal Court arrest warrant if he travelled to the UK.

The ICC on November 21 issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and ex-defence minister Yoav Gallant in response to accusations of crimes against humanity and war crimes in Israel’s aggression in Gaza.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s spokesman refused to be drawn specifically on whether UK police would detain Netanyahu, telling reporters he would not “get into hypotheticals in relation to individual cases”.

It is not clear whether the UK court process begins after the ICC issues the arrest or once the indicted person lands on British soil. “We would obviously fulfil our obligations under the act,” added Starmer’s spokesman.