Netanyahu’s arrest warrant divides world leaders – DW – 11/22/2024

Israel and its allies on Thursday (11/21/2024) condemned the decision of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while the European Union, Turkey, Colombia, Jordan and South Africa Together, human rights groups have been the first to respond publicly in favor of the measure.

There was expected disagreement from its unconditional ally, the United States, and other countries close to Israel over the arrest warrant against Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Galant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

The court also issued an arrest warrant for Mohammed Deif, the military chief of Hamas, a group considered terrorist by the European Union and other countries.

They were issued in response to allegations of crimes against humanity and war crimes in Israel’s conflict against Hamas in Gaza, which began with the October 7, 2023 attack.

Borrell demanded to respect the court’s decision

The European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, announced this Thursday that the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) “must be respected and enforced”, and that Emphasized that this is a court decision, not a political decision.

Asked about the ICC decision at a joint press conference with Jordan’s foreign minister, Borrell said: “This is not a political decision, this is a decision of the International Court of Justice and the court’s decision must be respected and implemented.” Should be done.” , Ayman Safadi, in Amman.

“I note the decision of the International Criminal Court to issue arrest warrants against Prime Minister (Israel) Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister (Yov) Galant and leaders of Hamas,” he said in his speech.

The head of European diplomacy said the decision was “a sharp call for all states, including all members of the Court of Justice, to bind and enforce this judicial decision.”

France, through a Foreign Ministry spokesman, stressed its support for “the actions of the Court’s Prosecutor, who acts with complete independence”, however, when asked whether French authorities would investigate the case upon entering French soil. He avoided making a commitment if he would arrest Netanyahu.

“This is a legally complex issue. I will not be commenting further today. This is a situation that must be handled with great care,” the source said.

The ICC does not have a police force to arrest suspects, but has a responsibility to cooperate with its 125 member states, including the United Kingdom and European Union countries. The United States and Israel are not part of this court.

Netherlands and Italy ready to arrest Netanyahu

The Dutch Foreign Minister, liberal conservative Casper Veldkamp, ​​minced no words and assured that if Netanyahu “set foot on Dutch soil, he would be arrested.”

Similarly, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said his country would be forced to comply with an arrest warrant issued by the ICC against Netanyahu “if he were to reach its territory.”

Crosetto, whose country is a member of the EU, NATO and currently chairs the G7 of the largest Western powers, acknowledged that it was “wrong” for the ICC to put Israeli leaders and Hamas leaders on the same level.

But still, “if Netanyahu or Gallant come to Italy, we have to arrest them, we have to detain them under international law,” he said, speaking on the RAI television program Porta a Porta.

Foreign Minister Antonio Trajani had earlier said that Italy “supports the ICC”, but that it “should have a legal role, not a political one.” “We will evaluate with our partners how to respond to and interpret this decision,” he said.

Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro, for his part, did not hesitate to describe Netanyahu as a “genocide” and also urged compliance with the ICC decision.

Beyond the governments’ position, organizations such as Human Rights Watch (HRW) celebrated the decision.

Balkis Jarrah, director of international justice at HRW, said, “The ICC’s order demolishes the notion that some individuals are above the law (and) this is even more important given the court’s blatant attempts to obstruct justice.” “

United States, Israel’s unwavering partner

Washington, which on Wednesday did not hesitate to use its veto right in favor of Israel for the fourth time in the UN Security Council to prevent the implementation of a ceasefire in Gaza, as defended by the other 14 members of the UN’s highest body Was. has once again sided with Israel and directly rejected the arrest order.

“The United States fundamentally rejects the court’s decision to issue arrest warrants against senior Israeli officials,” a White House spokesperson told EFE agency.

Along with the United States, Hungary, Paraguay, and Argentina have also spoken out in support of those suspected of committing war crimes and criticized the ICC.

Argentina’s President, Javier Meili, also expressed his “deep disagreement” and believed that the measure “neglects Israel’s legitimate right to defend itself.”

Australia supports ICC independence

The Australian Government expressed this Friday that it supports the independence of the ICC.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in a message to the will be.”

In his message, Wong stressed the need for the protection of civilians, the release of hostages, the safety of aid workers, and the need for humanitarian aid to be delivered to Gaza “quickly, safely and without obstruction”, without commenting directly on the arrest warrants issued. . a day before.

jc/gs (AFP, EFE)