Netanyahu, Gallant arrest warrants spark global divisions: Justice or diplomatic terrorism?

On November 21, the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant accusing them of crimes committed between October 8, 2023, and May 20, 2024. The allegations include crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the deliberate targeting of civilian populations. This development has sparked strong reactions worldwide, with international figures weighing in on both sides of the debate.

The British government has expressed its respect for the independence of the International Criminal Court (ICC) following the controversial decision to issue arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant, Caliber.Az reports.

Keir Starmer, UK Prime Minister, addressed the matter, stating, “We respect the independence of the ICC, the primary international institution for investigating and prosecuting [those responsible for committing] the most serious crimes of international concern.” This statement highlights the UK’s acknowledgement of the ICC’s judicial autonomy while refraining from directly addressing the warrants themselves.

In stark contrast, US President Joe Biden strongly criticized the ICC's decision in a statement issued by the White House. Describing the decision as “outrageous,” Biden reiterated the United States' staunch support for Israel, stating, “The ICC's issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli leaders is outrageous. Let me be clear once again: whatever the ICC means, Israel and Hamas are not equal at all.” He further emphasized that the US “will always support Israel in the face of threats to its security.”

German Bundestag member Sarah Wagenknecht was highly critical of her own government in light of the ICC’s decision. She condemned Berlin’s military support for Israel, asserting that the warrants were a “loud slap” to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. Wagenknecht posted on Facebook, “Berlin transfers almost half of the weapons to the Israeli army. What more is needed for the German government to stop abetting the Netanyahu government's war crimes in Gaza?” She called for the imposition of an arms embargo on Israel, stating that such action was “long overdue.”

In Austria, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg expressed disapproval of the ICC’s actions, labeling the arrest warrants as “absolutely mind-boggling.” In his view, the court’s decision undermines its credibility. “The ICC's decision to issue arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is absolutely mind-boggling. International law is non-negotiable and applies everywhere and at all times. But this decision undermines the credibility of the court,” Schallenberg wrote on X (formerly Twitter). He also described it as “absurd to draw parallels between a democratically elected government and the leader of a terrorist organization.”

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó also criticized the ICC’s move, calling it “shameful and absurd.” On social media, he wrote, “The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Israel's prime minister and defence minister. This decision is shameful and absurd.” Szijjártó mentioned that he had spoken with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and emphasized Hungary's rejection of what he called the politicization of international judicial institutions.

On the other hand, Palestinian authorities welcomed the ICC’s decision. The Palestinian leadership issued a statement through its media, calling the warrants a step toward restoring faith in international law. The statement reads, “This decision brings back hope and trust in international law.” The Palestinian leadership also urged ICC member states and the UN to enforce the arrest warrants and to cease cooperation with Netanyahu and Gallant at the state level.

The decision has drawn condemnation from Israel as well. Dani Danon, Israel’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, dismissed the ICC’s action as “the ultimate expression of diplomatic terrorism.” Similarly, Netanyahu’s government and supporters have expressed outrage, framing the decision as a politically motivated attack against Israel.

By Tamilla Hasanova