The UK government quietly granted Herzi Halevi, Israel’s military chief of staff, special diplomatic immunity during a secret visit to London. The timing couldn’t have been worse – coming just days after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and ex-Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes in Gaza.
A “Breathtaking” Decision
Scottish MP Chris Law didn’t mince words, calling the immunity decision “breathtaking” and accusing the UK of shielding alleged war criminals. “It’s astounding that this government issued a special mission immunity certificate for Halevi, especially considering reports that he, too, might face an ICC warrant,” Law fumed.
Halevi’s Murky Record
Halevi’s record is far from spotless. Back in April, he oversaw a drone strike in Gaza that killed seven aid workers, including three Britons. Halevi later admitted it was a “grave mistake.” Despite this, he met top UK officials, including Attorney General Lord Richard Hermer KC, during his visit.
Immunity: Diplomatic Shield or Legal Loophole?
Special mission immunity isn’t codified in international law but has been used by the UK since 2013 to ensure controversial figures like Israeli politicians can visit without fear of arrest. Critics argue it’s a get-out-of-jail-free card for individuals accused of breaching international law. Halevi’s immunity marks the second such instance this year, following Israeli Minister Benny Gantz’s visit in March.
Diplomatic Tightrope
The government insists Halevi’s meetings were focused on security, humanitarian aid in Gaza, and compliance with international law. Yet many, including Jonathan Purcell from the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians, see the move as hypocritical. “The ICC Act 2001 obliges the UK to investigate and arrest suspected war criminals, not roll out the red carpet,” he said.
International Backlash
The decision has drawn criticism from across the board. Gary Spedding, an independent parliamentary consultant on Israel-Palestine, called the immunity “shameful,” arguing it undermines the UK’s moral and legal authority. “It’s a blatant exception for Israel that erodes trust in the rule of law,” he said.
The Bigger Picture
Since 2013, over 50 officials from various nations have been granted similar immunity by the UK. Critics say this practice is increasingly being used to shield powerful individuals from accountability. As Spedding put it, “We’ve made ourselves complicit in protecting suspected war criminals. That’s not a good look for a nation claiming to uphold international law.”
In the face of mounting criticism, the government’s stance remains unchanged. But as these diplomatic immunities pile up, so do questions about Britain’s commitment to justice on the global stage.
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