Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may be arrested this week for a series of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, may issue arrest warrants this week against Defense Minister Yoav Galant and senior Israeli Defense Force (IDF) officials, including Netanyahu, for a series of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. The wartime cabinet of the country has already started extensive activities through diplomatic channels to avoid the possible warrant.
“We are conducting a free and open investigation into the situation in the State of Palestine,” said a spokesperson for the International Criminal Court. Any steps may be taken to facilitate this work. But since the matter is under investigation, there is no opportunity to say anything in detail in this regard right now.
Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court (ICC) may issue arrest warrants against Israeli officials. The United States and allies are concerned that the potential arrest warrant could undermine a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Israel could withdraw from the deal if the ICC issues a warrant, according to people familiar with the matter who did not want to be named.
An Israeli official said on Monday that if the court issues arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, it could nullify the potential prisoner deal.
The issue of the possible arrest warrant was discussed as the first item on the agenda at Tuesday afternoon’s cabinet meeting. It was added late and Netanyahu himself will make a presentation on the matter.
Israel’s foreign ministry said on Sunday it had informed the Israeli mission that arrest warrants could be issued against senior political and military officials.
Neither Israel nor the United States accept the jurisdiction of the ICC. But any warrant could put Israeli officials at risk of arrest in other countries.
