International Divide Deepens Over ICC Warrants for Israeli and Hamas Leaders
The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Thursday issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas commander Ibrahim al-Masri, citing alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Israel-Hamas conflict, potentially subjecting leaders of a democratic nation to arrest in the 120-plus ICC member countries.
Netanyahu denounced the warrants as “antisemitic,” accusing the ICC of attempting to undermine Israel’s right to self-defense. Former Defense Minister Gallant echoed his stance, declaring, “The attempt to deny Israel its right to achieve its goals in its just war will fail.” President Isaac Herzog condemned the decision, saying it “chose the side of terrorism and evil.”
The ICC alleges al-Masri, who is believed to be dead, bears responsibility for acts committed during the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, while Netanyahu and Gallant are responsible for the subsequent reactive Israeli military actions in Gaza.
Yael Vias Gvirsman, who heads an October 7 victim’s organization, praised that the ICC “issued arrest warrants for torture, extermination, rape, and other sexual crimes and for inhumane acts,” noting that “this is very significant: the recognition of the victims and (that) they’re saying the truth.”
Hamas and Palestinian Authority leaders praised the warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant and urged broader accountability for Israeli leaders.
While the White House rejected the ICC decision, citing procedural flaws, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell emphasized that member states must respect ICC rulings. Countries like France, Sweden, and Spain expressed support for international justice but hesitated on enforcement specifics. Meanwhile, Turkey and South Africa welcomed the ICC’s action, calling it a step toward accountability, with the Turkish foreign minister calling the decision “hopeful.”
