EU top diplomat supports ICC’s arrest warrants for Israeli PM

European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, has expressed his support for the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) recent decision to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.

Borrell emphasized that the warrants are justified and not politically motivated, reinforcing that the ICC’s decision must be respected and enforced. His remarks highlight the EU’s backing of the legal proceedings against the two Israeli leaders, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The arrest warrants stem from the ICC’s ongoing investigation into alleged war crimes related to the Israel-Palestine conflict. On November 19, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Israel’s Gaza offensive, which was triggered by Hamas' October 7 attack. An arrest warrant was also issued for former Hamas leader Mohammed Diab Ibrahim Al-Masri, also known as Mohammed Deif, who Israeli authorities confirmed was killed in an IDF strike earlier this year.

While the warrants have made Netanyahu and Gallant internationally wanted suspects, their practical impact may be limited. Israel and its key ally, the United States, are not members of the ICC, and many of the Hamas officials involved have been killed in the ongoing conflict. The warrants may further isolate the Israeli leaders and complicate efforts for a ceasefire in the 13-month-long conflict.

By Vafa Guliyeva