Israel Defiant in Face of ICC Arrest Warrants
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that the International Criminal Court (ICC) will not prevent Israel from achieving “total victory” in Gaza. This statement comes after the ICC’s top prosecutor, Karim Khan, requested arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes against Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
Netanyahu criticized the ICC’s move as an “absurd” and “dangerous precedent,” stating that the court has no jurisdiction over Israel. He further asserted that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are conducting a just and moral war against Hamas in Gaza. The ongoing conflict has resulted in thousands of casualties in the region.
The ICC also sought arrest warrants for three top Hamas officials. Despite Israel not recognizing the court’s jurisdiction, warrants issued against Israeli officials could pose challenges if they travel to member states that are obligated to arrest them.
Netanyahu condemned the ICC’s attempt to create a false moral equivalence between the Israeli government and Hamas, vowing to achieve “total victory” in Gaza. The situation remains tense as the conflict continues.