Israel Appeals ICC Arrest Warrants for Netanyahu and Former Defense Minister

The Israeli government has formally notified the International Criminal Court (ICC) of its intent to appeal arrest warrants issued against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant over their actions during the Gaza conflict.

Netanyahu’s office disclosed the appeal on Wednesday, adding that U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham is pushing measures in Congress to counter the ICC and deter countries from cooperating with the court.

The ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant, and Hamas leader Ibrahim Al-Masri, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The allegations stem from the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel and Israel’s subsequent military operations in Gaza.

ICC prosecutor Karim Khan initiated the motion for the arrest warrants, which Israel has strongly opposed, arguing that the court lacks jurisdiction. However, the ICC dismissed these jurisdictional objections earlier this year.

Israel’s appeal includes a request to suspend the enforcement of the arrest warrants. According to court spokesperson Fadi El Abdallah, the ICC judges will review the appeal and determine its outcome. Under ICC rules, cases or investigations can be deferred through a U.N. Security Council resolution, renewable annually.

In addition, parties named in an ICC warrant can challenge the court’s jurisdiction or the admissibility of the case. Israel’s move marks its latest effort to contest the court’s authority over its actions.