According to reports from Israeli media, there is a joint effort between Israel and the US to prevent the International Criminal Court (ICC) from issuing an arrest warrant for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials. The possibility of an arrest warrant has put Prime Minister Netanyahu under pressure, leading him to have continuous discussions with relevant parties, particularly the administration of US President Joe Biden.
Israel is not a member of the ICC and does not recognize its jurisdiction. However, the court has initiated an investigation into allegations of war crimes committed by Israel. The investigation includes allegations related to Israel’s actions during the 2014 campaign against Hamas, settlement programs in the West Bank and Jerusalem, and the treatment of Palestinian protesters in the Gaza Strip.
Despite this investigation, South Africa filed a lawsuit against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for allegedly committing genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The ICJ ruled that Israel must fulfill its humanitarian obligations in the Gaza Strip and prevent and punish any acts of inciting genocide. The court, however, did not consider the claim of genocide against Israel.
Experts believe that an ICC arrest warrant for Prime Minister Netanyahu and other officials could greatly harm Israel’s international reputation. Along with Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi are also said to be at risk of being arrested by the ICC.