Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned the International Criminal Court (ICC) for issuing arrest warrants against him and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes, labeling the decision as “antisemitic.”
In response to the ICC’s actions, Netanyahu stated that the court falsely accused them of “deliberately targeting civilians,” asserting that Israel takes significant steps to avoid civilian casualties. The ICC also issued a warrant for Hamas commander Mohammed Deif, who is believed to have been killed in Gaza in July.
U.S. President Joe Biden characterized the ICC’s move against Israeli officials as “outrageous,” emphasizing that there is no equivalence between Israel and Hamas. He reaffirmed U.S. support for Israel amid the ongoing conflict.
The warrants come amidst growing tensions, with recent Russian strikes in the region raising concerns. Netanyahu remarked that the decision mirrored a historic antisemitic case, referring to the Dreyfus affair in France over a century ago. He defended Israel’s actions in supplying aid to Gaza, highlighting that they had provided substantial food support while accusing Hamas of using civilians as shields.
The accusations have sparked increasing public discourse, with the former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert expressing criticism of Netanyahu’s approach, yet denouncing the ICC’s decision as unfounded.
Hamas welcomed the warrants as a significant moment for justice, stating that it could pave the way for accountability for Israeli leaders. Meanwhile, the implications of the ICC warrants rely on whether its 124 member states, excluding Israel and the U.S., choose to enforce them.
The ICC’s case stems from the intense conflict that erupted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a deadly assault on Israel, prompting a military response that has resulted in heavy casualties in Gaza. The ICC has identified both Hamas and Israeli leaders as responsible for various crimes, emphasizing that the situation warrants global attention and action.
Credit: BBC News
