Netanyahu denounces bid to arrest him over Gaza war
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vehemently condemned the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) prosecutor for seeking arrest warrants for him, alongside Hamas leaders, over alleged war crimes in the Gaza conflict. Netanyahu expressed disgust at the comparison of “democratic Israel” with “mass murderers,” a sentiment echoed by US President Joe Biden, who emphasized the lack of equivalence between Israel and Hamas. Biden stated that Israel aims to ensure civilian protection, contrasting it with Hamas’s actions.
The chief ICC prosecutor, Karim Khan, asserted that there are reasonable grounds to believe Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant bear criminal responsibility for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. The ICC is also seeking a warrant for Hamas’s Gaza leader, Yahya Sinwar, for war crimes.
Netanyahu’s condemnation is supported by the US, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken calling the ICC’s move “shameful” and asserting that the court lacks jurisdiction in this matter. Blinken warned that the request for arrest warrants could jeopardize efforts to reach a ceasefire.
The allegations against Israeli and Hamas leaders originate from the events of October 7, when Hamas gunmen attacked Israel, resulting in significant casualties and hostages, which sparked the current conflict. According to Hamas-run health ministry reports, the war has led to over 35,500 Palestinian deaths in Gaza.
ICC prosecutor Khan has also requested arrest warrants for Israeli Defence Minister Gallant, Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, and Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif. The ICC maintains that despite significant efforts, no substantial information has been provided by Israel to demonstrate genuine action at the domestic level to address the alleged crimes.
The decision on the warrants now lies with an ICC panel of judges, who must determine whether to issue them, compelling countries that are ICC members to arrest the individuals if possible.
