Poland threatens to arrest Netanyahu over ICC warrant ahead of Auschwitz anniversary

Poland's Deputy Foreign Minister, Wladyslaw Bartoszewski, stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would be arrested if he arrives in Poland, citing the country's legal obligation to comply with the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Bartoszewski's comments came during an interview on December 20 with Polish economic and legal newspaper Rzeczpospolita as preparations intensify for the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, which will take place on January 27, Caliber.Az reports, citing Israeli media.

Netanyahu, alongside former defence minister Yoav Gallant, was charged by the ICC in November for a range of alleged crimes. Under the Rome Statute, states that have ratified the treaty, including all European Union members, are bound to enforce ICC arrest warrants.

The Auschwitz anniversary is typically a high-profile state event, but Israeli officials have yet to confirm whether Netanyahu will attend. Reports suggest that Israeli President Isaac Herzog's attendance is also unlikely. Instead, Education Minister Yoav Kisch will be the only Israeli government representative present at the commemoration.

Polish sources indicated that the enforcement of the arrest warrants stems from Warsaw's desire to hold Russian President Vladimir Putin accountable, following the ICC's 2022 arrest warrant for Putin over the abduction of Ukrainian children from occupied territories.

While all 27 EU member states are legally bound by the Rome Statute, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban is one of the few EU leaders to offer Netanyahu support, stating that he would not face arrest if he visited Hungary and even extending an invitation.

Initially, several EU states, including Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland, Lithuania, and Slovenia, declared they would arrest Netanyahu if he entered their territory. However, some nations have since adjusted their positions. France, after participating in ceasefire negotiations in Lebanon, now says Netanyahu would be protected under diplomatic immunity.

Notably, the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the notorious Nazi concentration and extermination camp, is scheduled for January 27, 2025. This solemn occasion will be commemorated with various events and ceremonies worldwide, honouring the memory of the over one million victims who perished there.

By Khagan Isayev