Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu Rejects ICC's Arrest Warrant As 'Absurd And False'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly condemned the arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court (ICC), calling it "absurd and false." In a statement from his office, Netanyahu declared, "There is nothing more just than the war that Israel has been waging in Gaza."

The ICC issued arrest warrants on Thursday for Netanyahu, former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and several Hamas officials. The court accuses them of war crimes and crimes against humanity stemming from the 13-month war in Gaza and Hamas’ October 2023 attack on Israel.

Here is what you need to know

The warrants make Netanyahu and the other individuals internationally wanted suspects. Analysts believe this could further isolate the accused and complicate efforts to negotiate a cease-fire. However, the practical impact of the warrants remains uncertain, as neither Israel nor its ally, the United States, are members of the ICC. Moreover, two of the accused Hamas officials have already been killed in the ongoing conflict.

“Absurd and false actions,” says Netanyahu 

Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders have criticized ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan’s actions. Netanyahu denounced the warrants, saying, “Israel rejects with disgust the absurd and false actions.” President Isaac Herzog echoed this sentiment, calling it “a dark day for justice. A dark day for humanity.” He accused the ICC of ignoring key facts about Israel’s right to defend itself and accused Hamas of using its people as human shields. Herzog added, “The decision has chosen the side of terror and evil over democracy and freedom.”

Defense Minister Israel Katz described the ICC’s decision as “a moral disgrace, entirely tainted by antisemitism,” accusing the court of serving Iran and its allies. Katz vowed, “We will continue to defend the citizens of Israel with determination and pride, standing firm against anyone who attempts to undermine our right to self-defense.”

The ICC's decision comes at a critical juncture in the conflict, as Israel continues its operations in Gaza and faces international scrutiny over its military actions. Despite the backlash, Israel has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting its citizens and achieving its military objectives.