Netanyahu Decries ICC Prosecutor's Arrest Warrant Push as 'Travesty of Justice'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has denounced the International Criminal Court's (ICC) decision to pursue arrest warrants against him and his defense minister, Yoav Gallant, as a "travesty of justice" and a manifestation of "the new antisemitism."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vehemently condemned the International Criminal Court's (ICC) decision to pursue arrest warrants against him and his defense minister, Yoav Gallant, over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the conflict in Gaza. Netanyahu denounced the move as a blatant distortion of reality and a symptom of the rising tide of antisemitism.

In a video message delivered in Hebrew and later translated into English, Netanyahu asserted that the Hague prosecutor's attempt to equate democratic Israel with the murderous Hamas group is a gross injustice. He described it as a testament to the corrosive nature of antisemitism, which has now made its way from Western campuses to the hallowed halls of international justice.

"This absurd and false warrant is not merely directed at the Prime Minister of Israel and the Minister of Defense," Netanyahu emphasized. "It is an attack on the entire State of Israel, our brave soldiers, and our right to self-defense."

Netanyahu vowed to steadfastly defend Israel against the ICC's unwarranted prosecution and to continue fighting for victory over the evil regime of Hamas. He asserted that the court's decision is a disgrace and a mockery of justice.

In a separate English-language statement, Netanyahu reiterated his condemnation of the ICC's actions, labeling them as a "travesty of justice" and a "disgrace." He stressed that Israel has the right to protect its citizens and will not be cowed by baseless accusations.

The ICC prosecutor, Karim Khan, has stated that his office has "reasonable grounds" to believe that Netanyahu, Gallant, and Hamas leaders have committed grave violations of international law. Specifically, the alleged crimes include intentionally targeting civilians, intentionally depriving civilians of essential supplies, and using starvation as a weapon of war.

While acknowledging Israel's legitimate right to self-defense, Khan emphasized that all states must adhere to international humanitarian law. He maintained that the evidence collected by his office demonstrates Israel's systematic and intentional deprivation of basic necessities to the civilian population in Gaza.

Netanyahu's strong response underscores the gravity of the ICC's decision and its potential implications for Israel. The move has also drawn criticism from various quarters, including Israel's allies, who have questioned the ICC's jurisdiction and the impartiality of its investigation.

The ICC's pursuit of arrest warrants against high-ranking Israeli officials represents a significant escalation in the international scrutiny of Israel's conduct in the Palestinian territories. It remains to be seen whether the court will ultimately issue the warrants or if Netanyahu and Gallant will face prosecution.