ICC Arrest Warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant Garner Global Backing

Most global leaders and humanitarian groups have hailed the ICC's decision as a pivotal step toward accountability.

The court's warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant are deemed binding and call for immediate implementation.

The European Union's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, emphasized during a visit to Amman, Jordan, that the decision is legal rather than political.

"It is not a political decision. It is a decision of a court, of a court of justice, of an international court of justice. And the decision of the court has to be respected and implemented," Borrell stated during a joint press conference with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi.

He further highlighted that all ICC member states, including EU nations, are obligated to enforce the warrants.

Safadi underscored the significance of the ruling, stating that it conveys a message to the global community to act against "the massacres being committed in Gaza." He added that Palestinians deserve justice for Israel’s war crimes in Gaza.

France's foreign ministry confirmed its response would align with the ICC's statutes, while the Netherlands announced readiness to enforce the warrants.

Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp told parliament that Netanyahu would be arrested if he entered Dutch territory.

“The Netherlands implements the Rome Statute 100 percent,” Veldkamp said, adding that the country would avoid non-essential contact with Netanyahu and Gallant.

Ireland's Prime Minister Simon Harris described the arrest warrants as a "significant and serious step," calling for all nations to respect the court's independence and impartiality.

"Ireland respects the role of the International Criminal Court. Anyone in a position to assist it in carrying out its vital work must now do so with urgency," Harris stated.

Amnesty International Secretary General Agnes Callamard declared Netanyahu "now officially a wanted man," urging ICC member states and allies of Israel to support the decision.

"ICC member states and the whole international community must stop at nothing until these individuals are brought to trial," Callamard asserted.

Palestinian officials and groups, including Hamas, welcomed the move but stressed the need for concrete international backing. Basem Naim of Hamas called the decision "an important step towards justice" but cautioned that it would remain symbolic without global support.

Wasel Abu Yousef, a PLO executive committee member, referred to the warrants as overdue but essential amid ongoing violence in Gaza.
"It is an important decision in the shadow of the genocide against the Palestinian people that has been going on for 411 days," Abu Yousef remarked.

The United States and other Israeli allies criticized the ICC's action. Senator Lindsey Graham called for sanctions against the ICC, while rights group DAWN warned US officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, of potential personal liability under international law for aiding Israeli actions.

The ICC prosecutor accused Netanyahu and Gallant of crimes against humanity, including starvation of civilians and deliberate attacks on civilian populations. The warrants obligate the 124 ICC member states to arrest the two if they travel to those nations.

United Nations experts and human rights organizations have documented extensive abuses in Gaza, including forced displacement and the targeting of civilians. Over 44,000 civilians have been killed since October 7, 2023, with over 104,200 others injured in the ongoing Israeli genocide.

Observers view the ICC's decision as a landmark step, though its enforcement remains uncertain amid political resistance from Israel's allies.