ICC Issues Historic Arrest Warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant, and Hamas Official Over War Crimes Allegations
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and senior Hamas official Mohammed Deif, accusing them of war crimes linked to the events during and after the October 7 attacks on Israel last year.
The court, based in The Hague, stated it found “reasonable grounds” to believe that Netanyahu is responsible for war crimes, including “starvation as a method of warfare” and “crimes against humanity such as murder and persecution.” This marks the first time an Israeli leader has been summoned by an international tribunal for actions against Palestinians in the 76-year-long conflict.
Netanyahu’s Response
Netanyahu’s office dismissed the ICC’s actions as “absurd and antisemitic,” calling the court “politically biased.” A statement from his office emphasized Israel’s right to defend itself, particularly after the October 7 Hamas attack, which Netanyahu described as “the largest massacre of the Jewish people since the Holocaust.” Israel, like the United States, is not a member of the ICC and disputes the court’s jurisdiction.
The ICC asserts jurisdiction over territories occupied by Israel, including Gaza, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank, after Palestinian leaders formally accepted the court’s authority in 2015.
Warrants Against Hamas Leadership
The ICC also issued a warrant for Mohammed Deif, a senior Hamas official alleged to have orchestrated the October 7 attack. The court accused Deif of crimes against humanity, including murder, torture, and sexual violence, and stated he bears “criminal responsibility” for these acts by ordering and directing their execution.
The court had initially sought warrants for other Hamas leaders, including Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar. However, these were withdrawn after both were reportedly killed in Israeli airstrikes.
Global Reactions and Implications
The warrants have triggered intense reactions on all sides. Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the ICC’s decision as “a dark day for justice,” arguing it ignores Israel’s right to self-defense. Far-right Israeli leaders went further, calling the court antisemitic and advocating for expanding Israeli sovereignty in occupied territories.
Hamas welcomed the warrants against Israeli officials, calling them a “historic precedent” that acknowledges decades of alleged violations against Palestinians. However, it did not address the warrant issued for Deif, underscoring its ongoing criticism of the ICC’s pursuit of its own leaders.
The Biden administration has strongly opposed ICC investigations into Israel, with President Joe Biden labeling the warrants “outrageous.” Congressional Republicans have called for sanctions against the ICC, warning of consequences for its actions against Israeli officials.
What’s Next?
The ICC’s arrest warrants could severely restrict Netanyahu and Gallant’s travel to the 124 ICC member states obligated to enforce the warrants. However, enforcement relies on member states’ cooperation, and no arrests can occur without their intervention.
Legal experts suggest the warrants mark a pivotal moment in international law and may influence global cooperation with the Israeli military. While the ICC’s actions may not immediately alter the conflict’s trajectory, they could shape future accountability measures in the region.
Source : CNN
