Italy, Netherlands, and Canada to Enforce ICC Arrest Warrant Against Israeli PM Netanyahu

Italy, the Netherlands, and Canada have stated their intention to uphold the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

The ICC issued the warrants on Thursday, accusing Netanyahu and Gallant of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity during the conflict in Gaza. A similar warrant was also issued for Mohammed Deif, a senior military leader of Hamas.

According to the Turkish outlet Daily Sabah, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto mentioned that Italy would be obligated to detain Netanyahu if he traveled there. Speaking on the program Porta a Porta, Crosetto expressed disagreement with equating the actions of Netanyahu and Gallant with those of Hamas but acknowledged Italy’s commitment as an ICC member to act on such warrants.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani supported the ICC’s mandate but emphasized its role as strictly legal, not political. He added that Italy would coordinate with its allies to determine the next steps.

This development marks a historic moment, as it is the first time an international tribunal has accused a sitting leader from a major Western nation of such serious crimes.

The ICC claims Netanyahu and Gallant are responsible for acts including war crimes like starvation and crimes against humanity, such as murder, persecution, and inhumane treatment.

The Gaza conflict has resulted in significant devastation, displacing nearly all of its 2.3 million residents and leaving most reliant on humanitarian aid. Local health authorities report that more than 44,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed.

The conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, after Hamas launched a cross-border attack on Israel, killing about 1,200 people.

Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp confirmed that the Netherlands would arrest Netanyahu if he entered Dutch territory, emphasizing that compliance with ICC decisions is a legal obligation under the Rome Statute.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell described the arrest warrants as binding for all EU member states, stressing the legal, not political, nature of the decision. During a visit to Jordan, he called for an end to the Gaza conflict and urged respect for the ICC’s ruling.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau similarly affirmed his country’s support for the ICC, stating that Canada, as a founding member, would uphold its responsibilities under international law. Speaking near Toronto, Trudeau reiterated the need for a ceasefire and progress toward a two-state solution while calling for increased humanitarian aid and the release of hostages.

The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) welcomed Trudeau’s statement, calling it a significant move toward justice for Gaza and Palestine. The group noted that the warrants mean Netanyahu and Gallant could theoretically face arrest if they enter Canada.