Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has scrapped planned trips to Hungary and the Czech Republic due to concerns of potential arrest. Speculation has intensified that the International Criminal Court (ICC) could issue arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes committed in Gaza.
Netanyahu, slated to visit the United States for talks with President Joe Biden and a speech to Congress on July 24, reportedly altered his travel plans to avoid any stopovers in Europe. This decision comes amid growing pressure from the United States to prevent ICC warrants against Israeli officials.
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The ICC prosecutor has sought arrest warrants not only for Netanyahu and Gallant but also for three Hamas leaders, including chief Ismail Haniyeh. Israel, not a member of the ICC, has denounced the potential warrants as unacceptable.
Israeli Soldier Killed, Two Wounded in Gaza Clashes
An Israeli soldier, identified as Sgt. First Class Tal Lahat from the Maglan commando unit, was killed in Gaza City on Tuesday afternoon during clashes with Hamas. The incident, attributed to a sniper attack claimed by Hamas, has raised Israel’s casualty count to 327 amid ongoing ground operations against the militant group and border skirmishes with the Gaza Strip.
Additionally, two reservists from the Alexandroni Brigade sustained serious injuries on Wednesday in Gaza City. Initial reports indicate they were struck by an explosive device during combat.
