Israel: If UK doesn't act, relations will suffer
Foreign Ministry slams 'cynical' arrest warrant issued by British court against Opposition leader Livni, calls on British government 'to fulfill its promises and prevent an abuse of the British legal system against Israel and its citizens by anti-Israel elements'
"We reject the court's cynical legal move against Opposition Chairwoman Tzipi Livni, which was initiated by radical elements," the statement said.
"Israel calls on the British government to fulfill, once and for all, its promises and prevent an abuse of the British legal system against Israel and its citizens by anti-Israel elements."
The Foreign Ministry warned that "lack of firm and immediate action aimed at repairing the situation will harm the relations between the two countries." The statement clarified that "if Israeli leaders cannot visit Britain in a proper and honorable manner, this will naturally serve as a real obstacle to Britain's desire to take an active part in the peace process in the Middle East."
The Guardian reported Monday that a warrant for Livni's arrest had been issued by a British court, but was rescinded once it was discovered that she was not in the country. The warrant was issued following a complaint that the former foreign minister had been responsible for war crimes during the Israeli operation in Gaza about a year ago.
The British Foreign Office issued an apologetic statement on Monday, attempting to clarify that the incident harms relations between Jerusalem and London. "The UK is determined to do all it can to promote peace in the Middle East and to be a strategic partner of Israel. To do this, Israel's leaders need to be able to come to the UK for talks with the British government. We are looking urgently at the implications of this case," it said.
Livni was scheduled to travel to the UK on Sunday but canceled her trip at the last minute. The Guardian reported that the Westminster Magistrate's Court issued the warrant at the request of pro-Palestinian activists, but it was later withdrawn. The attorneys who appealed for the warrant had apparently not been informed of Livni's cancellation.
