ICC Threatens to Issue Arrest Warrants for Israeli Officials Over Gaza Conflict

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is reportedly considering issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other top officials over allegations of war crimes committed during last year's conflict in Gaza.

The possibility of ICC arrest warrants has emerged as a source of growing concern for Israeli authorities, according to reports. The court is reportedly investigating the Israeli military's response to Hamas attacks and the alleged prevention of humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza.

Citing Israeli and foreign officials, The New York Times reports that the ICC may accuse senior government figures of pursuing an excessively harsh military campaign against Hamas. Any warrants issued by the court would likely be seen as a "humbling moral rebuke" for Israel, according to the newspaper.

The potential for ICC warrants has reportedly influenced Israeli decision-making in recent weeks. The warrants could pose significant travel obstacles for Israeli officials and may also be issued against Hamas leaders.

Foreign Minister Israel Katz has expressed Israel's expectation that the ICC will refrain from issuing arrest warrants. He vowed that Israel would not be deterred and would continue to combat terrorism. Katz also warned of a possible "wave of severe antisemitism" and urged Israeli embassies to increase security measures.

In a statement on his official X profile, Netanyahu declared that "Israel will never accept any attempt by the ICC to undermine its inherent right of self-defense." He denounced the threat of seizing Israeli soldiers and officials as outrageous and vowed not to bow to it.

The ICC has asserted its jurisdiction over potential war crimes committed in the Gaza Strip, despite Israel's non-membership and refusal to recognize the court's authority. The Palestinian territories were admitted as a member state in 2015.

The ICC's website states that it investigates and prosecutes individuals charged with genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression. The court focuses on crimes of international concern that are not being adequately addressed by national courts.

The developments at the ICC are being closely watched by both Israel and the international community. The potential for arrest warrants casts a shadow over Israeli officials' ability to travel and highlights the ongoing tensions between Israel and the international legal system.