According to media reports, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fears that the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague could issue arrest warrants against him and other Israelis. The Israeli government believes that chief prosecutor Karim Khan could issue international arrest warrants this week against Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi, Israeli media reported on Sunday.
Since 2021, the ICC has been investigating Hamas and Israel for alleged war crimes in the Gaza Strip. Violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank is also being investigated. Netanyahu is extremely concerned about possible arrests that would dramatically deteriorate Israel’s international reputation, the reports said.
Israel considers this an “outrageous threat”
Netanyahu wrote on X on Friday that Israel under his leadership “will never accept any attempt by the ICC to undermine its inherent right to self-defense.” The head of government also wrote: “The threat to capture soldiers and representatives of the only democracy in the Middle East and the only Jewish state in the world is outrageous.” Israel will “wage the just war against terrorists bent on genocide until victory continues”.
Netanyahu’s message on X:
Such a decision by the ICC would not affect Israel’s actions, but would “set a dangerous precedent that threatens the soldiers and representatives of all democracies fighting brutal terrorism and reckless aggression,” Netanyahu wrote.
States should execute arrest warrants when crossing borders
Legally, an ICC arrest warrant against Netanyahu and other Israeli citizens would mean that states that have signed the ICC Statutes would be obliged to arrest and extradite these people to the Court – provided they enter the territory of these states enter.
Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan has already issued four international arrest warrants against high-ranking Russians for suspected war crimes, including against ruler Vladimir Putin.
The International Criminal Court prosecutes individuals for suspected war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. Israel does not recognize the court. But the Palestinian territories are a contracting state. That is why the public prosecutor can also conduct an investigation.
Another UN court warned Israel of “possible genocide”
The ICC should not be confused with the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which also has its headquarters in The Hague. The much older UN court is tasked with resolving conflicts between states. It recently warned Israel to do everything it can to prevent possible genocide in the Gaza Strip.
Hostage family members demand investigation against Hamas leaders
Relatives of Israeli Hamas hostages called on the ICC in February to investigate the terrorist organization’s leaders and issue arrest warrants. They called for criminal investigations into hostage takings, violent sexual crimes, torture and murder.
The Hamas attacks in the Israeli border area on October 7 killed approximately 1,200 people in the Gaza Strip and kidnapped more than 250 as hostages. The attacks sparked Israel’s military offensive in the Gaza Strip, which has killed more than 34,400 people so far, according to the Hamas-controlled health authority.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
