Reports indicate that Israeli officials are becoming increasingly worried about the International Criminal Court (ICC) potentially issuing arrest warrants against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other high-ranking officials in connection with the conflict in Gaza.
According to sources cited by The New York Times, both Israeli and foreign officials suggest that the ICC may accuse these government figures of responding excessively harshly to Hamas attacks on Israel and obstructing humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Fox News mentions that any warrants from the ICC would likely be viewed internationally as a significant moral criticism.
It is suggested that such warrants could create travel challenges for Israeli officials and might also be issued against Hamas leaders, as reported by The New York Times.
These developments follow comments from Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, who expressed expectations for the ICC to refrain from issuing arrest warrants against Israeli political and security leaders, as per Reuters.
Katz also emphasized that Israel will not succumb to intimidation and will stand firm, urging Israeli embassies to heighten security measures due to concerns about a rise in antisemitism.
On a related note, Prime Minister Netanyahu recently shared a message stating that Israel will not allow the ICC to affect its actions, vehemently opposing any infringement on the country’s right to self-defense.
Referring to ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan’s statements, Reuters notes that the court asserts jurisdiction over potential war crimes committed in Gaza.
Despite Israel not acknowledging the court’s authority as a non-member, the Palestinian territories were granted member status in 2015, as reported by Reuters.