Israel Appeals ICC Arrest Warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant
Israel has announced its intention to appeal arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The appeal comes after the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I declared on November 21 that it had issued the warrants for alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes committed between October 8, 2023, and May 20, 2024.
Challenging Jurisdiction and Seeking Suspension
In a press release, Netanyahu’s office stated that while awaiting the ICC’s decision on the merits of the case, Israel requested the suspension of the arrest warrants’ execution. The office also emphasized that Israel contests the ICC’s jurisdiction and the legitimacy of the warrants against the prime minister and former defense minister.
“The State of Israel contests the jurisdiction of the ICC and the legitimacy of the arrest warrants issued against the prime minister and the former minister of defense,” the press release stated.
ICC’s Findings and Rejections
The ICC’s November 21 press release revealed that the pre-trial chamber unanimously rejected Israel’s challenges regarding the court’s jurisdiction under Articles 18 and 19 of the Rome Statute. The court declared it found “reasonable grounds” to believe that Netanyahu and Gallant bore criminal responsibility as co-perpetrators “for committing acts jointly with others”
Specifically, the ICC cited the alleged “war crime of starvation as a method of warfare” and “crimes against humanity of murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts.”
Support from US Senator
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Netanyahu met with American Senator Lindsey Graham in Jerusalem. According to Netanyahu’s office, Graham kept the prime minister informed about “the steps he is taking in the American Congress against the International Criminal Court and against countries that cooperate with it.”
Future Implications and Potential Bias
Netanyahu’s office warns that if the ICC rejects the appeal, “it will further demonstrate to Israel’s friends in the United States and around the world how biased the International Criminal Court is against the State of Israel.”
What legal arguments does Israel plan to use to appeal the ICC arrest warrants?
## Israel Appeals ICC Arrest Warrants: A Legal Battle Brewing
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re discussing the developing story of the International Criminal Court (ICC) issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Joining us is Professor Sarah Cohen, an international law expert from the University of [Redacted]. Professor Cohen, thank you for being here.
**Professor Cohen:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Let’s start with the basics. What exactly are these arrest warrants based on?
**Professor Cohen:** The ICC issued these warrants for alleged “war crimes” and ”crimes against humanity” related to the conflict in Gaza between October 8th, 2023, and May 20th, 2024. [[1](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/11/27/netanyahu-says-israel-to-appeal-against-icc-arrest-warrants-over-gaza-war)].
**Host:** That’s a very serious accusation. How is Israel responding to these warrants?
**Professor Cohen:** Israel has announced its intention to appeal the warrants, claiming the ICC lacks jurisdiction in this matter. They’re also urging the court to suspend the warrants during the appeal process. [[1](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/11/27/netanyahu-says-israel-to-appeal-against-icc-arrest-warrants-over-gaza-war)].
**Host:** What are the potential implications of these warrants, regardless of the appeal outcome?
**Professor Cohen:** These warrants have significant ramifications for international relations. They add another layer of complexity to an already volatile situation and could further strain relations between Israel and the international community.
**Host:** Professor Cohen, thank you for shedding light on this complex legal battle. We’ll continue to follow this story as it develops.
