Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu Accused Of War Crimes — ICC Issues Arrest Warrant
The ICC also issued arrest warrants for Israel's former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and Hamas leader Ibrahim Al-Masri.
By Sukhbir Cheema — 22 Nov 2024, 10:23 AM
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and Hamas leader Ibrahim Al-Masri
The three are accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to the Gaza conflict, according to Reuters.
The charges stem from incidents that occurred between 8 October 2023 and 20 May 2024.
The ICC alleges that both Netanyahu and Gallant share criminal responsibility as co-perpetrators for war crimes, including the use of starvation as a weapon, and crimes against humanity such as murder, persecution, and inhumane acts
The court also determined that Netanyahu and Gallant bear additional responsibility as civilian superiors for directing attacks against civilians.
Despite Israel's objections, the ICC rejected its arguments challenging the tribunal's jurisdiction over the matter.
Netanyahu and Gallant have not yet responded publicly to the charges, while the political and legal implications of the ICC’s decision remain to be seen.
The decision was met with outrage in Israel, with the US rejecting the arrest warrants
"We remain deeply concerned by the prosecutor’s rush to seek arrest warrants and the troubling process errors that led to this decision," a White House National Security Council spokesperson said.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned the ICC's move, calling it "a dark moment" and accusing the court of issuing "absurd orders without authority."
Meanwhile, senior Hamas official Basem Naim welcomed the development as a step towards justice, urging broader accountability for Israeli leaders.
International reactions were varied. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell defended the ICC's legitimacy, asserting that its decision was judicial, not political, and must be respected
Similarly, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi called for the warrants to be enforced, emphasising justice for Palestinians.
Turkey and South Africa welcomed the decision, while the Netherlands pledged compliance. Its Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp confirmed the country's readiness to act on such warrants.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, "It’s really important that everyone abide by international law."
France pledged to act per the ICC's statutes but declined to clearly state whether it would arrest Netanyahu if he travelled there. The UK said it respected the ICC's independence but refrained from commenting further.
In contrast, US Senator Lindsey Graham lambasted the ICC, labelling it “a dangerous joke” and advocating for sanctions against the court.
Argentinian leader Javier Milei took to X to declare the country's "deep disagreement” over ICC's arrest warrants.
The warrants come amid a devastating conflict in Gaza, where Israel’s 13-month campaign has reportedly killed 44,000 Palestinians and displaced millions. Israel launched its offensive following an October 2023 Hamas attack that left 1,200 Israelis dead and over 250 hostages taken.
The ICC’s action further entrenches international divides over accountability and the Gaza crisis.
