ICC Issues Arrest Warrants Against Netanyahu And Gallant

• 21.11.2024, 15:49

The warrants are classified.

On November 21, the International Criminal Court (ICC) rejected Israel's complaints about the court's jurisdiction over the situation in Palestine and issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.

The ICC press service reported.

Israel filed two complaints in September of this year. The first concerned challenging the ICC's jurisdiction over the situation in Palestine, and the second demanded that a new notice of investigation be sent.

However, the court found Israel's actions premature and noted that there were no grounds for reviewing the jurisdiction and issuing a new notice.

Arrest warrants

The ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant for "crimes against humanity and war crimes allegedly committed between October 2023 and May 2024."

The warrants are classified "secret" to ensure the protection of witnesses and the safety of the investigation. However, information about the cases was partially disclosed "in the interests of the victims."

The ICC emphasized that the court's jurisdiction extends to the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

The ICC's plans to issue an arrest warrant for Netanyahu have provoked a sharp reaction from US President Joe Biden, who expressed his outrage.

In turn, US House Speaker Mike Johnson warned that the US could impose sanctions against the ICC if a decision to arrest the Israeli prime minister is issued.