Netanyahu Gains Support After ICC’s Arrest Warrant Request
An arrest warrant request by the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) chief prosecutor has created a significant shift in Israeli politics, offering Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu an ironic, if predictable, boost. The warrant targets Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and three Hamas leaders for alleged war crimes related to the October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel and Israel’s subsequent military campaign in Gaza.
Yedioth Ahronoth, a major Israeli newspaper often critical of Netanyahu, headlined Tuesday with “The Hypocrisy of The Hague,” reflecting widespread outrage among Israelis. The front page criticized chief prosecutor Karim Khan for equating Israeli leaders with Hamas, which is recognized as a terrorist organization by much of the West.
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The ICC’s move appears to have united Netanyahu’s political rivals and garnered support from American officials, who have criticized his plans to invade Rafah but condemned the ICC’s actions. Prior to this, Netanyahu faced increasing frustration from the Israeli public and his government, particularly regarding the prolonged failure to eliminate Hamas and rescue the 128 hostages in Gaza.
Netanyahu’s emergency War Cabinet was on the verge of collapse, with Gallant and Benny Gantz, a former military chief, openly criticizing him for the lack of a plan for governing Gaza. Gantz had threatened to withdraw his centrist party from the government if a clear strategy was not established by June 8.
Despite these challenges, the ICC’s warrant has temporarily strengthened Netanyahu’s position. Critics note that Netanyahu thrives as a perceived victim, suggesting that the warrant may rally his supporters.
The charges have unified Israeli leaders against the ICC, with Gallant condemning the comparison of Hamas to the Israeli state as “despicable.” This unity could complicate Gantz’s potential departure from the government.
