The submission argues that reasonable grounds exist to sanction Netanyahu, citing previous statements where he rejected a Palestinian state. The legal team contends these statements, among others, constitute incitement and contribute to the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis.

Sanctions, in international law, are coercive measures taken by one or more states against another state, entity, or individual. These can range from economic restrictions, such as asset freezes and trade embargoes, to travel bans. The UK's ability to impose sanctions is governed by the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018, which allows the government to implement sanctions to comply with international obligations or for other purposes, such as promoting peace and security or preventing human rights violations.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed receipt of the request but declined to comment on specific cases. A spokesperson stated that all sanctions decisions are made after careful consideration of available evidence and legal advice, adhering to international law and the UK's own legal framework.

The move by AOHR UK comes amid increasing international scrutiny of Israel's actions in Gaza and the West Bank. Various human rights organizations have documented allegations of war crimes and human rights abuses committed by both Israeli forces and Hamas. The International Criminal Court is currently investigating alleged crimes committed in the occupied Palestinian territories.

The request for sanctions against Netanyahu is likely to face significant political and legal hurdles. The UK government has historically been a strong ally of Israel, and imposing sanctions on its prime minister would represent a significant shift in policy. Furthermore, proving incitement to genocide under international law is a high bar, requiring evidence of direct and public incitement with the specific intent to destroy a protected group.

The current status of the request is that it is under review by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. It is unclear how long the review process will take or what the outcome will be. The decision will likely be influenced by a range of factors, including legal considerations, political calculations, and the evolving situation on the ground in Gaza and the West Bank.