ICC Issues Arrest Warrants for Israeli PM Netanyahu, Former Defense Chief Gallant Over Alleged War Crimes

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leader Ibrahim Al-Masri, citing allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Additionally, the ICC has ordered the arrest of Yoav Gallant, Israel’s former defense chief, following a motion submitted by ICC prosecutor Karim Khan earlier this year.

The warrants are connected to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel and the subsequent military actions in Gaza. Despite opposition from Israel, which disputes the ICC’s jurisdiction, the court proceeded with the decision.

Israel maintains that it has not committed war crimes and has rejected the court’s authority. It also claims to have killed Al-Masri, also known as Mohammed Deif, in an airstrike, though Hamas has neither confirmed nor denied this assertion.

In a related development, the U.S. House of Representatives in June voted to impose penalties on the ICC over its decision to pursue charges against Israeli leaders. The legislation, which passed with 247 votes in favor, seeks to impose travel and financial restrictions on ICC officials.

House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized the ICC’s actions, stating, “The issuance of an arrest warrant for Israel’s leaders while they defend their nation against Hamas is unacceptable.”

The bill, introduced by Republican Representative Chip Roy, would allow the U.S. president to lift the sanctions if the ICC halts investigations involving American citizens or its allies. However, some lawmakers expressed concerns that these measures could affect key allies of the United States who are ICC members, such as Germany, Japan, and the UK.

New York Democrat Gregory Meeks warned, “The broad scope of these sanctions could have unintended consequences for our relationships with critical allies.”