International Criminal Court Seeks Netanyahu’s Arrest Over Gaza War

The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants on Thursday for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza, marking a significant blow to Israel’s international reputation as it continues its military campaigns on multiple fronts.

The court also issued an arrest warrant for Muhammad Deif, the military leader of Hamas, accusing him of similar charges, including murder, hostage-taking, and sexual violence. Israel claims to have killed Deif in an airstrike, but the court stated it could not confirm his death.

Although it is unlikely that Netanyahu and Gallant will face trial anytime soon, as the ICC has no police force to enforce its warrants and neither Israel nor its key ally, the United States, are members of the court, the arrest orders carry substantial moral weight. These actions could limit their international travel and further isolate Israel as it continues its wars in Gaza and Lebanon.

The ICC did not release the warrants publicly but announced that there is credible evidence suggesting Netanyahu and Gallant intentionally deprived Gaza’s civilian population of essential resources such as food, water, medicine, fuel, and electricity, violating international law. They are also accused of obstructing humanitarian aid efforts.

In response, Netanyahu’s office rejected the accusations, calling them “absurd and false.” It reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to continuing its military actions in Gaza, asserting that the Prime Minister would not back down until all the objectives of the war, as initially outlined, are achieved.