Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported today that the Israeli government is seriously considering the possibility of the International Court of Justice in The Hague issuing arrest warrants against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Galant, and Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, in light of the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip. The agency noted that an urgent and serious discussion took place in Netanyahu's office regarding these concerns.
It added, "There is significant concern regarding the potential issuance of arrest warrants by the International Criminal Court in The Hague against high-ranking Israeli security and political leaders, which was expected and is likely to occur amidst the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, along with various countries' statements regarding Israel's violations of international law concerning the status of the civilian population in Gaza and violations of the Fourth Geneva Convention."
According to Israeli media reports, Netanyahu expressed serious concern over the possibility of an arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court in The Hague due to the military operation in Gaza. The Hebrew newspaper "Maariv" reported that Netanyahu has put in significant efforts in recent days to prevent this potential development, engaging in intensive communications, especially with Washington, to block the issuance of an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court, including attempts to indirectly pressure U.S. President Joe Biden.
According to Maariv, there is a belief that the issuance of such an arrest warrant is only a matter of time, and it may include Defense Minister Yoav Galant and Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi alongside Netanyahu. Last week, Netanyahu downplayed the significance of any decisions that the International Court of Justice may issue, stating that the court's decisions would not affect Israel's actions regarding Gaza. He described the potential issuance of arrest warrants in a statement on X as a dangerous precedent.
Netanyahu stated, "We will not accept any attempt by the International Criminal Court in The Hague to undermine Israel's right to defend itself." The Israeli Broadcasting Authority noted that Netanyahu's tweet concerning The Hague incited anger among senior Israeli officials, who indicated that "any statement may complicate an already complex situation."
Additionally, the agency reported a lack of trust between Netanyahu and members of his war council regarding the ongoing negotiations for a prisoner exchange agreement. It mentioned that political and security officials, including Benny Gantz, Galant, and Eizenkot, support reaching a deal with Hamas, while Netanyahu opposes it. The agency further stated that the military establishment views the new proposals, especially from Egypt, as a last chance to retrieve the prisoners from Gaza before executing any operation in Rafah.
