Israeli Officials Fear Secret ICC Arrest Warrants Over Gaza War Crimes Ahead of Blinken Visit

An Israeli source has warned that the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague may secretly issue arrest warrants this week against top Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and army chief Herzl Halevi, over suspected war crimes committed during the Gaza war. The news comes just days before U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to visit Israel on April 29, 2024.

The source claims that Netanyahu's team is trying to intimidate the main plaintiff at the ICC, describing their behavior as "like a bull in a china shop." Some legal experts believe the Israeli officials and army lawyers are partly responsible for not doing enough to prevent violations of international law during the conflict.

Israel has been engaged in a military assault on Hamas-ruled Gaza for the past seven months, while also facing a cross-border attack from the militant group. The ICC launched an investigation three years ago into possible war crimes committed by both sides during the 2014 Israel-Hamas war and is now considering issuing arrest warrants for senior officials on both sides of the current conflict.

Why this matters: The potential ICC arrest warrants could lead to increased international isolation for Israel and make it more difficult for Western democracies to engage with the country. It also puts pressure on the Israeli government to halt its military offensive in Gaza, which has killed more than 34,000 people according to Palestinian officials.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz has warned Israeli embassies to bolster security due to the risk of "severe antisemitism" if the ICC issues the arrest warrants. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that any ICC decisions would not affect Israel's actions but would set a dangerous precedent.

While Israel is not a member of the ICC, the Palestinian territories were admitted as a member state in 2015, giving the court jurisdiction over potential war crimes in the region. If arrest warrants are issued, Israeli officials could face the risk of arrest in other countries, including much of Europe.

The developments come as the United States steps up pressure for a ceasefire deal in Gaza. Secretary of State Blinken called a new proposal "extraordinarily generous" on Israel's part, but the terms were not made public. The main roadblock remains the extent of the ceasefire, with Hamas demanding a complete end to Israel's assault and withdrawal of troops, while Israel has only offered an extended pause.

Overnight and Monday morning, Israeli strikes killed 26 people in Rafah, including 9 women and 6 children. Egypt has stepped up mediation efforts to avert an Israeli ground assault on the town. Meanwhile, Israel is working through diplomatic channels to try to stop the ICC arrest warrants from being issued, with Netanyahu stating that Israel "will never accept any attempt by the ICC to undermine its inherent right of self-defense."

Key Takeaways

• ICC may issue arrest warrants against top Israeli officials over Gaza war crimes.
• Israel concerned about potential arrest warrants, warns of increased antisemitism.
• ICC has jurisdiction over potential war crimes in the Palestinian territories.
• U.S. pushing for Gaza ceasefire, but terms remain disputed between Israel and Hamas.
• Israel working to stop ICC arrest warrants, claims right to self-defense.