Fact Check: UK's Attorney General Questions Legality of Israel's Actions in Iran
What We Know
Recent reports indicate that the UK's Attorney General, Richard Hermer, has raised concerns regarding the legality of Israel's military actions in Iran. According to a source familiar with discussions within the UK government, Hermer's legal advice complicates the UK's potential involvement in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. If deemed unlawful, such actions would restrict the UK's ability to support Israel or the United States in any military operations against Iran (Sky News).
The context of these discussions arises amid heightened tensions, with US President Donald Trump considering military options in Iran. Reports suggest that the UK might be asked to assist in these operations, which could include using British military bases for US airstrikes (BBC).
Analysis
The claim that the UK's Attorney General has questioned the legality of Israel's actions in Iran is supported by multiple credible sources. The Sky News report highlights that Hermer's concerns are significant enough to limit UK involvement unless there is a direct threat to British personnel. This aligns with the broader legal principle that military action must be justified under international law.
Furthermore, the BBC article corroborates this by mentioning that Lord Hermer's legal advice has been a topic of internal discussion, emphasizing the complexity of the UK's position regarding potential military support for Israel. The mention of legal advice being confidential is consistent with government practices, which often keep such discussions private to ensure candid legal counsel (Sky News).
However, it is important to note that while the Attorney General's concerns are significant, they do not outright prohibit UK involvement; rather, they impose legal limitations that the government must navigate carefully. The political landscape is also influenced by calls from various political figures, including Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, who has urged for transparency regarding legal advice to prevent the UK from being dragged into an "illegal war" (BBC).
Conclusion
The claim that the UK's Attorney General has questioned the legality of Israel's actions in Iran is True. This conclusion is based on credible reports from multiple news sources indicating that the Attorney General's legal advice raises significant concerns about the legality of military actions and the implications for UK involvement. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing discussions about the UK's role in the conflict and the legal frameworks that govern military engagement.
