21 November 2024
StandWithUs UK Condemns UK Government’s Backing of ICC, Following Arrest Warrants Against Israeli Leaders
StandWithUs UK expresses deep concern over the UK Government’s support for the International Criminal Court (ICC) in light of its recent actions targeting Israeli leadership. While we acknowledge the importance of respecting international institutions, endorsing the ICC at this moment legitimises a body whose credibility is increasingly undermined by political bias.
The ICC’s focus on Israel—a nation not even subject to its jurisdiction—reveals a troubling pattern of disproportionate scrutiny. Meanwhile, regimes that commit egregious violations of international law continue to escape accountability. This double standard not only compromises the court’s legitimacy but also emboldens extremist forces that threaten peace and stability in the Middle East, such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Iranian regime.
By supporting the ICC uncritically, the UK Government risks undermining Israel’s right to self-defence—a right essential for the survival of the world’s most threatened democracy. This approach weakens efforts to combat terrorism and rewards those who flout international law while punishing those who strive to uphold it.
StandWithUs UK urges the UK Government to take a moral stance. We call on them to reject the ICC’s politicisation, uphold Israel’s right to defend its citizens, and work toward fostering peace in the region. Justice must be fair, impartial, and rooted in truth—not weaponised for political agendas.
About StandWithUs UK:
StandWithUs is an international, non-profit and non-partisan Israel education organisation that works to inspire and educate people of all ages about Israel, as well as challenge misinformation and fight against antisemitism. Founded in 2010, StandWithUs UK has become a recognised support system and leading resource for students on UK campuses. We empower and energise students and communities with leadership training and educational programmes on both school and university campuses. StandWithUs informs through social media, printed materials, digital platforms, film and newsletters. The StandWithUs flagship Emerson Fellowship programme seeks to raise students into future leaders, equipped to stand strong in the face of antisemitism and anti-Zionism. We believe in the right of the Jewish People to self-determination in their historic homeland of Israel. We educate the facts in an unbiased and holistic manner, with an open mind, reflecting on views from all sides of the political, social and humanitarian spectrum whilst promoting peace. StandWithUs UK believe the current discourse surrounding Israel on campus all too often crosses the line between legitimate criticism of Israel’s policies and the dangerous, mainstream, antisemitic rhetoric which stands contrary to the IHRA definition of antisemitism. We work to educate on that distinction, encourage civil discourse on legitimate criticism of Israel, and to fight antisemitism wherever it emerges.
