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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may be arrested this week due to a series of war crimes and anti-humanitarian activities in Gaza. This information was given in a report by American media NBC on Monday (April 29).
According to reports, the International Criminal Court (ICC) based in The Hague, Netherlands, may issue arrest warrants this week against Netanyahu, along with Defense Minister Yoav Galant and senior officers of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in connection with a series of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. The wartime cabinet of the country has already started extensive activities through diplomatic channels to avoid the possible warrant.
The source also said that the journalists of NBC have contacted the ICC in this regard. In response, a spokesperson for the International Criminal Court said, “We are conducting a free and open investigation into the situation in the State of Palestine.” Any steps may be taken to facilitate this work. But since the matter is under investigation, there is no opportunity to say anything in detail in this regard right now.
Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court (ICC) may issue arrest warrants against Israeli officials. The United States and allies are concerned that the potential arrest warrant could undermine a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Bloomberg reports on Monday (April 29).
Citing unnamed people involved in the matter, the news outlet said Israel could withdraw from the deal if the ICC issues a warrant.
An Israeli official told The Times of Israel on Monday that if the court issues arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, it could nullify potential prisoner deals.
The issue of the possible arrest warrant was discussed as the first item on the agenda at Tuesday afternoon's cabinet meeting. Hebrew media said it was added late and Netanyahu himself will make a presentation on the matter.
Israel's foreign ministry said on Sunday it had informed the Israeli mission that arrest warrants could be issued against senior political and military officials.
Neither Israel nor the United States accept the jurisdiction of the ICC. But any warrant could put Israeli officials at risk of arrest in other countries.
Sources: Times of Israel and Al Jazeera
