The International Criminal Court (ICC) is reportedly set to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant within the next two weeks, according to Israeli media. This development follows Netanyahu’s previous announcement in June, where he anticipated the warrants before his address to the US Congress on July 24.
The warrants were applied for by ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan on May 20, citing war crimes including the use of starvation as a weapon of war and wilful killing. Israel had allegedly reached an unofficial agreement with the UK government to delay the issuance of these warrants in exchange for access to information on Palestinian prisoners involved in the October 7 attack.
Despite a challenge filed by the British government questioning the ICC’s jurisdiction over the matter, recent reports suggest that the submission will not be withdrawn. In response, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that the UK would enforce any ICC arrest warrants against the Israeli leaders if issued.
Considering the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the international community, including allies of Israel such as Britain, France, and Germany, have expressed support for the independence of the ICC and indicated willingness to enforce its warrants.