Netanyahu Considers Skipping European Stopover Amid ICC Arrest Warrant Fears
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is contemplating bypassing a stopover in Europe on his way to the US, concerned about a possible arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) over alleged crimes committed by the Israeli army in Gaza. The ICC Prosecutor recently requested arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes in Gaza.
Netanyahu is set to travel to the US to address Congress and meet with President Biden. His office considered stopping in countries friendly to Israel, like the Czech Republic or Hungary, but ultimately decided on a direct flight to Washington with limited passengers due to limitations on his plane.
The situation has raised concerns about potential international criticism, as the US is not a member of the ICC. Israel, which is also not a member, faces accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice over its actions in Gaza.
Despite ongoing political tensions, the focus remains on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where thousands have been killed and injured as a result of the conflict.