ICC issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant
Photo: Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant (Getty Images)
On November 21, the International Criminal Court (ICC) rejected Israel's appeals challenging its jurisdiction over the situation in Palestine and issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, the press service of the ICC reports.
In September, Israel filed two appeals: one challenging the ICC's jurisdiction over Palestine and another requesting a fresh notice on the investigation's opening.
However, the court ruled these actions premature, stating there was no basis for revisiting jurisdiction or issuing a new notice.
Arrest warrants
The ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant for "crimes against humanity and war crimes committed from at least October 8, 2023 until at least May 20, 2024". These crimes include the use of starvation as a method of warfare, murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts. The court noted that both suspects were responsible as co-perpetrators and as civilian superiors.
The arrest warrants remain classified to protect witnesses and safeguard the investigation, while some details were disclosed to serve the interests of the victims.
The ICC emphasized that its jurisdiction in the situation extends to Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, marking a significant milestone in its investigation into Palestine and reaffirming its commitment to upholding international justice.
In May, ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan revealed intentions to seek an arrest warrant for Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, stirring global controversy. Israel expressed dissatisfaction over discussions about Netanyahu's potential arrest.
The ICC's intentions to issue an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sparked a sharp response from US President Joe Biden, who expressed strong disapproval.
US Speaker Mike Johnson warned that the US might impose sanctions on the ICC if the court proceeds with Netanyahu's arrest warrant.
In June, the ICC's Pre-Trial Chamber issued arrest warrants for former Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov.
Earlier, in March 2023, the ICC issued warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Children's Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova. These charges focused not on Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine or its war crimes but on the forced deportation of Ukrainian children.
ICC and Rome Statute
The Rome Statute is an international treaty that established the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The ICC is a permanent international court with jurisdiction over the four most severe crimes of concern to the global community: genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and crimes of aggression.
As of June 25, 2024, 137 countries had signed the Rome Statute, and 123 had ratified it.
