Tel Aviv: Reports have surfaced indicating Israel’s diplomatic endeavors to thwart the International Criminal Court (ICC) from issuing arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and other military officials over alleged war crimes.
There’s growing apprehension among Israeli officials regarding the possibility of the Hague-based court moving forward with arrest warrants, potentially as soon as this week.
Also Read | White House Pushes Back Against Potential Arrest Warrant for Netanyahu
The ICC initiated an investigation three years ago into potential war crimes during the 2014 Israel-Hamas conflict, focusing on actions by both Israeli forces and Palestinian militants.
Also Read | Columbia University Suspends Pro-Palestinian Protesters as Talks Stall
According to a source within the Israeli government speaking to The Times of Israel, the United States is also actively engaged in these diplomatic efforts, joining in a last-minute bid to dissuade the ICC from pursuing the arrest warrants.
Also Read | UN: North Korean Hwasong-11 Missile Used in Ukraine, Violating Sanctions
On Monday, while in Saudi Arabia to negotiate a Gaza ceasefire, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Hamas to accept Israel’s latest proposal, which he described as “extraordinarily generous,” aiming to end hostilities and secure the release of hostages amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
