Israeli PM Netanyahu criticizes ICC arrest warrant as ‘New antisemitism’

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has stirred controversy by announcing its intention to issue arrest warrants for three senior Hamas leaders, as well as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. This move has sparked outrage from various world leaders, including US President Joe Biden, who condemned the decision as “outrageous” and emphasized that there is “no equivalence” between Israel and Hamas.

Netanyahu, in a televised address, decried the ICC’s actions as a form of “new antisemitism,” accusing the court of unfairly targeting Israel. He expressed disbelief at the comparison between Hamas, whom he described as “monsters,” and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), whom he praised as the “most moral army in the world.”

The ICC’s decision has also drawn criticism from Israel’s President Isaac Herzog, who labeled it as “beyond outrageous” and a violation of international law. The US State Department echoed these sentiments, stating that the ICC lacks jurisdiction in this case due to Israel not being a signatory to the Rome Statute.

The news has elicited mixed reactions in Tel Aviv, with some citizens supporting the arrest warrants in hopes of securing the release of hostages held by Hamas, while others question the legitimacy of targeting democratically elected leaders. Palestinians in Gaza have expressed frustration at being caught in the middle of the conflict, calling for decisive international resolutions to address the ongoing crisis.

As the ICC moves forward with its investigation, judges will assess the evidence presented and determine whether to issue arrest warrants for the accused individuals. The outcome of this process is likely to have far-reaching implications for the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.