The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, charging them with crimes against humanity and war crimes committed during the conflict in Gaza.
The warrants, confirmed on 21 November, followed a decision by the ICC to reject previous Israeli objections to its jurisdiction. Both officials are accused of actions amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity from 8 October 2023 to at least 20 May 2024, during the escalation of hostilities with Palestine.
Charges Against Netanyahu and Gallant
The ICC’s pre-trial chamber stated there is sufficient evidence to believe that Netanyahu and Gallant deliberately deprived Gaza’s civilian population of essential resources, including food, water, medicine, fuel, and electricity. These measures were deemed part of a calculated policy during the conflict, leaving civilians without access to basic necessities for survival.
The chamber further noted that Israel’s decisions to allow or increase humanitarian aid to Gaza were often conditional, influenced by international pressure or specific requests from allies, including the United States. However, the court described the aid provided as insufficient to meet the needs of the affected civilian population.
The arrest warrants have been marked confidential to protect witnesses and ensure the integrity of ongoing investigations. The ICC Prosecutor, Karim Khan, had first requested these warrants in May 2024, citing evidence of crimes against humanity and war crimes.
Alongside the warrants for the Israeli officials, the ICC also issued an arrest warrant for Mohammed Deif, the leader of Hamas’s military wing, known as Mohammed Diab Ibrahim al-Masri. Despite earlier reports from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) of Deif’s death during the summer, the court proceeded with the warrant.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity during last year’s Gaza conflict. The decision has triggered sharp international responses, with strong objections from Israel and the United States, and divided reactions globally.
Israel’s Reaction
Israel has categorically rejected the ICC’s jurisdiction and legitimacy. Netanyahu’s office called the warrants “absurd” and “antisemitic,” vowing that Israel would not bow to international pressure. “No war is more justified than the one Israel has fought since 7 October 2023, following Hamas’s brutal attack, the deadliest assault on the Jewish people since the Holocaust,” the statement read.
Former Defence Minister Gallant also criticised the court, stating, “Equating Israel with Hamas’s murderous leadership is unjustifiable. Attempts to undermine Israel’s legitimate objectives in a justified war will fail.”
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar labelled the ICC’s decision “a dark moment,” describing the warrants as “baseless” and issued “without authority.”
US Condemnation
The United States has strongly opposed the ICC’s decision. A National Security Council spokesperson declared, “We categorically reject these warrants and remain deeply concerned about the prosecutor’s eagerness to issue them.” The US maintains that the ICC lacks jurisdiction in this case, as Israel is not a party to the Rome Statute, the treaty establishing the court.
Mike Waltz, a potential national security advisor under a future Trump administration, denounced the ICC’s actions as “antisemitic bias,” pledging a “forceful response.” He argued that Israel acted lawfully to defend its population from what he called “genocidal terrorists.”
European Union and Global Reactions
In contrast, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell defended the ICC’s decision, stating it was “not a political move” and should be implemented. During a press conference in Jordan, Borrell emphasised that “international law applies equally to all.” Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Al-Safadi called for consistent global support for the ICC’s rulings, urging the international community to treat this decision as a warning to halt further atrocities in Gaza.
Meanwhile, Hamas welcomed the warrants, urging the ICC to expand its accountability efforts to include all “leaders of criminal occupations.”
