What Does the World Court’s Arrest Warrant for Netanyahu Mean?

International Criminal Court (ICC) issues an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin NetanyahuHe cited “reasonable grounds” for his criminal liability for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. In the statement made from the ICC’s pre-hearing room, it was revealed that Israel’s objections to the court’s jurisdiction were rejected.

The ICC also issued arrest warrants for Israel’s former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Hamas’ military chief Mohammed Deif. Previously, Israel claimed that Deif was killed in August.

Netanyahu Condemned the ICC’s decisionhe calls it “anti-Israeli” and “anti-Semitic.” While the White House rejected the ICC’s decision, many European countries announced that they would comply with the court’s decision.

What is the International Criminal Court?

The International Criminal Court (ICC), headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, investigates and prosecutes individuals accused of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and aggression. It is subject to the Rome Statute and serves as a court of last resort, complementing national judicial systems. With over 900 staff from 100 countries, the ICC has six official languages ​​and two working languages, English and French.

Since its establishment, the court has handled 32 cases, issued 59 arrest warrants, obtained 11 convictions and acquitted four people. Their efforts include victim participation, independent prosecution and fair trial guarantees. It is supported by a budget of 187 million Euros for 2024.

What is the ICC’s arrest warrant for Netanyahu?

The arrest warrants were issued in response to accusations of crimes against humanity and war crimes related to Israel’s military actions in Gaza, particularly following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. The arrest warrants specifically specify crimes such as murder, cruelty and the use of starvation as a weapon of war.

How did the international community react?

Israel and its allies, including the United States, rejected the ruling, claiming the ICC lacked jurisdiction and adding that the country had the right to self-defense. Human rights groups and countries such as Türkiye supported the arrest warrants, calling them an important step towards justice.

Some countries, including the Netherlands, have already said they will comply with the ICC’s decision, while others, such as the United Kingdom, have expressed support for Israel’s right to self-defense despite the ICC’s permission.

The ICC’s involvement began in 2018, when Palestine took the situation to court. In 2023 and 2024, several countries, including South Africa and Chile, added further guidance. Although Israel is not a signatory of the Rome Statute governing the ICC, the status of Palestine and the broader context allow the ICC to follow suit.

What does this mean?

Although Israel is not a member of the ICC and does not recognize the court’s jurisdiction, the warrants could affect its international travel. But they do not face the risk of arrest in Israel.

The 124 members of the Rome Statute establishing the ICC are obliged to arrest the two Israelis and deliver them to the court.

“These decisions are binding on all states party to the Rome Statute, which includes all EU member states,” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in his post on X. he said.

Enforcement of such arrest warrants has been inconsistent, with some countries, such as South Africa and Mongolia, not having previously arrested persons under similar arrest warrants.

Since the ICC does not prosecute in absentia except in rare cases, arrest warrants are unlikely to lead to summary trials. Netanyahu and Gallant reiterated their determination to continue the war in Gaza despite the arrest warrants.

Although the arrest warrants do not result in immediate arrests, they serve as a moral victory for Palestine and intensify international pressure on Israel, limiting Netanyahu’s ability to travel to certain countries without facing potential embarrassment.