Israel Vows to Fight ICC Arrest Warrants for Netanyahu and Ex-Defense Minister
The Israeli government has announced its intention to challenge arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over their roles in the Gaza conflict.
In a statement on Wednesday, Netanyahu's office revealed that U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham had updated the Prime Minister on efforts in the U.S. Congress to counter the ICC and discourage cooperation with the court.
The ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Hamas leader Ibrahim Al-Masri, alleging war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel and the subsequent Israeli military response in Gaza. The court also issued a warrant for Gallant, following a motion submitted in May by ICC prosecutor Karim Khan.
Despite Israel’s objections to the ICC’s jurisdiction in the matter, the court rejected those arguments. Netanyahu’s office stated, "Israel today submitted a notice to the International Criminal Court of its intention to appeal to the court, along with a demand to delay the execution of the arrest warrants."
ICC spokesperson Fadi El Abdallah confirmed that any appeals would be reviewed by the court’s judges. Under ICC rules, the United Nations Security Council can adopt a resolution to pause or defer investigations or prosecutions for one year, with the option to renew annually. Additionally, the accused or the involved country can challenge the court’s jurisdiction or the admissibility of the case after a warrant is issued.
The case highlights ongoing tensions between Israel and the ICC, as well as international efforts to address accountability in the Gaza conflict.
Comments