Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant are facing the looming possibility of arrest warrants by the International Court of Justice (ICC) for war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip. The ICC Prosecutor, Karim Khan, requested these warrants back in May, and Netanyahu is bracing for them to be issued by July 24.
Despite the US not being a member of the ICC, Netanyahu’s upcoming speech in front of the US Congress could face criticism if he is harbored despite the arrest warrants. Israel, also not a member of the court, could be embroiled in this legal battle as well.
The ICC, an independent international body, is expected to make its decision public, potentially as early as January. Appeals can be made by Israel or the individuals facing arrest warrants, though the 123 signatory countries to the Rome Statute are obligated to enforce these warrants.
As the conflict in Gaza continues, with thousands of Palestinian casualties and infrastructure in ruins, the legal ramifications for Israel and its leaders are becoming increasingly significant on the international stage.\
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