Israel appeals PM arrest warrant, warns: ‘If Court Rejects…’
Israel has approached the International Criminal Court (ICC) today to appeal its order for the arrest of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Tel Aviv has requested the court suspend the arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant pending the outcome of the appeal.
The ICC had issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant, citing “war crimes” during the Gaza conflict with Hamas. The court also issued a similar warrant for Hamas military leader Mohammed Deif.
In its appeal, Israel challenged the ICC’s jurisdiction and legitimacy of the warrants. The Prime Minister’s Office argued that if the request is denied, it would show the world how biased the ICC is against Israel.
The ICC had stated that the warrants were issued for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed between October 8, 2023, and May 20, 2024. Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders have condemned the ruling. While the US and France have supported Netanyahu and rejected the warrants, the UK and Canada have indicated they will comply.
In response to the ICC’s ruling, Netanyahu called the decision “anti-Semitic” and vowed that Israel would not be deterred. The appeal now places the case in the hands of the world court, where the outcome could have significant political and legal implications for Israel.
