UK Public Strongly Supports Arrest of Israeli PM Netanyahu, Poll Reveals
A new survey has shown that a significant majority of UK citizens believe Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should be arrested if he visits Britain. The poll, conducted by Find Out Now on November 22 and reported by The National, follows the International Criminal Court (ICC) issuing warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Security Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes in Gaza.
The survey revealed that 42% of respondents favored Netanyahu’s imprisonment, while only 14% opposed it. The remaining respondents were undecided or chose not to answer.
Political Divides on Netanyahu's Arrest
The poll highlighted sharp differences in opinion among voters of various political affiliations:
- Green Party supporters were the most adamant, with 76% backing Netanyahu’s detainment.
- Among Labour voters, 58% supported his arrest, a sentiment mirrored by 57% of Liberal Democrats.
- Conservatives were more divided, with 37% supporting his arrest and 30% opposing it.
- Reform UK voters were the least likely to favor imprisonment, with just 28% in support.
UK Government’s Stance on ICC Obligations
The UK government has reaffirmed its commitment to international law. Foreign Secretary David Lammy, addressing reporters at a G7 meeting in Italy on Monday, stated that Britain would follow proper legal procedures if Netanyahu were to visit.
"We are signatories to the Rome Statute, we have always been committed to our obligations under international law and international humanitarian law," Lammy said. "Of course, if there were to be such a visit to the UK, there would be a court process, and due process would be followed in relation to those issues."
This sentiment was echoed in a government statement released on Friday, confirming that Netanyahu could face detainment under the ICC’s arrest warrant should he travel to Britain.
Context of the ICC Warrant
The ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant last week, citing their alleged involvement in war crimes during Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The warrants have intensified international debate over accountability and justice in conflicts, with the UK public's opinion reflecting growing scrutiny of world leaders’ actions in the context of international law.