Israeli Officials, Including Netanyahu, Face Possible Arrest Warrants from ICC over Gaza Conflict
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is investigating Hamas' cross-border attack and Israel's military assault on Gaza, which began in October 2021.
Israel is concerned that the ICC may issue arrest warrants for its government and military officials over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The ICC has the power to charge individuals with such crimes, as well as genocide.
In response to reports of potential arrest warrants, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz advised embassies to increase security due to the risk of antisemitism.
Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) not to issue arrest warrants against senior Israeli political and security officials for alleged violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza.
Netanyahu stated that any decisions by the ICC would not affect Israel's actions but could set a dangerous precedent.
Israeli media reported that the ICC is considering arrest warrants for Netanyahu and other top officials, as well as leaders from Hamas in Gaza.
The ICC and Hamas did not respond to requests for comment.
The Palestinian territories joined the International Criminal Court (ICC) as a member state in 2015, while Israel is not a member and does not recognize the court's jurisdiction.
In October 2021, ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan announced that the court has the authority to investigate potential war crimes committed by Hamas fighters in Israel and Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip.