South Korean president raises legal questions over Netanyahu arrest warrants

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has suggested that international legal pressure surrounding Israeli leadership, including arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, must be taken into account following the interception of Gaza-bound flotilla vessels carrying South Korean nationals.

Speaking at a Cabinet meeting on May 20, Lee sharply criticised Israel’s actions after its naval forces seized ships from the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters and detained passengers, including South Korean citizens, Caliber.Az reports via Israeli media.

Lee said the detentions occurred “under circumstances unjustified under international law” and described Israel’s actions as “way out of line,” questioning whether Seoul could allow the incident to pass without an official protest.

He also referenced broader international legal developments involving Israel’s leadership.

Lee said that while several European countries had indicated willingness to act on International Criminal Court warrants related to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, South Korea “must make its own judgment” on the matter.

The remarks came after Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that Israeli forces had taken control of all vessels in the flotilla, which was attempting to reach Gaza. According to the ministry, 430 activists were detained and transferred to Israel following the interception.

By Sabina Mammadli