ICC Seeks Arrest Warrants for Netanyahu, Sinwar, and Other Leaders: Echoes of Putin’s Case
In a historic and controversial move, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has announced it is seeking arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, along with several other top officials from both sides, over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. This unprecedented action by ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan puts Netanyahu alongside figures such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has also faced an ICC arrest warrant.
The charges stem from the brutal conflict that erupted on October 7, when Hamas-led militants launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking approximately 250 hostages into Gaza. The subsequent Israeli military response has resulted in significant casualties in Gaza. The Gaza Ministry of Health reports over 35,500 Palestinians killed and 79,000 wounded, though these figures remain unverified by independent sources.
The charges against Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant include “causing extermination, causing starvation as a method of war, including the denial of humanitarian relief supplies, and deliberately targeting civilians in conflict.” On the other hand, Sinwar, Mohammed Deif, the leader of Hamas’ Al Qassem Brigades, and Hamas’ political leader Ismail Haniyeh are accused of “extermination, murder, taking of hostages, rape, and sexual assault in detention.”
The ICC, established in 2002 by the Rome Statute, operates as a court of last resort to prosecute individuals for genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression. It relies on the cooperation of its 124 member states for enforcement, as it has no policing power of its own. Notably, Israel, the United States, and Russia are not members of the ICC, complicating the enforcement of any potential arrest warrants against Netanyahu and other Israeli officials.
The announcement has elicited strong reactions globally. Netanyahu condemned the move as “a disgrace” and accused the ICC of antisemitism. Israeli officials, including opposition leader Yair Lapid and war cabinet member Benny Gantz, have echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing Israel’s right to self-defense and its robust legal system.
The United States has also criticized the ICC’s decision. President Joe Biden described the joint warrants as “outrageous,” asserting that there is “no equivalence” between Israel and Hamas. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned that the warrants could jeopardize ongoing efforts to reach a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages.
Hamas, meanwhile, condemned the ICC for equating “victims with aggressors” and called for arrest warrants against Israeli leaders and soldiers involved in crimes against Palestinians.
This move by the ICC places Netanyahu in the company of other leaders who have been targeted by the court, such as Russian President Vladimir Putin. The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Putin in March 2023 over the alleged illegal deportation of children from Ukraine to Russia. Despite this, Putin has not faced trial and continues to travel, though he avoids countries that might enforce the warrant.
The ICC’s decision marks a significant moment in international law, highlighting the challenges of prosecuting war crimes amid ongoing conflicts. It underscores the court’s commitment to holding individuals accountable, regardless of their political status, and raises critical questions about the balance of justice and political power on the global stage.
The ICC’s request for arrest warrants will now be reviewed by a panel of three judges, who typically take around two months to decide whether to issue them. If approved, these warrants could significantly impact the international mobility and political dynamics of the accused leaders.