Israel is shocked by the ICC’s threat to arrest Binyamin Netanyahu | World News

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has made a shocking announcement, requesting arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, along with the leaders of Hamas, on charges of war crimes. This decision comes in the aftermath of a deadly attack on Israel by Hamas last year.

The prosecutor for the ICC, Karim Khan, detailed the accusations against both sides, highlighting the murder, sexual assault, and kidnapping of Israeli citizens by Hamas leaders. On the other hand, Israel was accused of using “starvation as a method of war” in Gaza, disrupting the supply of aid and imposing a “total siege” on the region.

While Israel has denied these charges, the ICC’s pre-trial chamber will now determine if there is enough evidence to issue the arrest warrants. However, Israel, not being a signatory to the Rome statute, is not legally obligated to hand over its leaders.

The announcement has sparked controversy, with some Western leaders criticizing the ICC for equating the actions of Hamas and Israel. President Joe Biden, who has urged Netanyahu to avoid civilian casualties, called the claims “outrageous.” The U.S., a close ally of Israel, faces a dilemma in responding to the situation.

Despite rare support from political rivals at home, Netanyahu and Gallant may face a challenging road ahead. Israeli security officials have warned that their actions during the war could have long-term consequences. The implications of the ICC’s decision are significant, not just for Israel and Hamas but also for international relations and justice.