UK dropping its objection to ICC arrest warrant for Israel's Netanyahu

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will drop the UK's objection to an arrest warrant being issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying it was a matter for the court.

The announcement, made by a spokesperson for the new prime minister on Friday, overturns the previous government's objection to the ICC prosecutor's application for a warrant for Netanyahu and his defence minister, Yoav Gallant.

"On the ICC submission... I can confirm the government will not be pursuing (the proposal) in line with our long-standing position that this is a matter for the court to decide on," the spokesperson told reporters.

Sources within the Labour Party told Middle East Eye about the plans on Thursday, along with intentions to restrict arms sales to Israel over its war on Gaza.

The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP) said in a statment that it was a "relief" to see the objection being dropped.

Read more: UK dropping its objection to ICC arrest warrant for Israel's Netanyahu