UK Lawyers File Sanctions Request Against Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu

A British Law Firm Files Request for Sanctions Against Israeli Prime Minister

The Arab Organisation for Human Rights UK (AOHR UK) has submitted a request to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office seeking targeted financial and travel sanctions against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The submission, filed by law firm Deighton Pierce Glynn on behalf of AOHR UK, alleges that there are reasonable grounds to apply sanctions to Netanyahu due to his previous statements and actions.

According to the submission, Netanyahu has made statements rejecting a Palestinian state and using “religiously framed genocidal rhetoric”. The request also cites previous UN inquiries that found Netanyahu’s statements amounted to incitement to commit genocide in Gaza. Additionally, the submission points to Netanyahu’s responsibility for “unlawful military operations in Gaza” and his role in expanding illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank.

AOHR UK Chairman Mohammed Jamil stated that the UK has already acknowledged sanctions against senior Israeli officials but not the prime minister. He argued that accountability cannot stop short of the highest office. The request is part of a broader effort to hold Netanyahu accountable for alleged crimes committed during Israel’s war on Gaza.

The UK government has largely supported Israel throughout its conflict with Gaza, and while it has recognized a Palestinian state, it has not officially designated the Israeli mass killings as genocide. However, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants against Netanyahu in November 2023 for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed during the war.

Source: Al Jazeera