European Responses to ICC’s Arrest Warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu
There are mixed reactions at the European level to the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. The ICC delivered a shock announcement issuing arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes in Gaza. The charges have been described as “absurd and false lies” by Netanyahu’s office.
Country Reactions
United Kingdom
The UK’s position is unclear at present. A spokesman for Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the UK “will comply with its legal obligations,” but refrained from commenting on hypothetical scenarios, such as Netanyahu’s arrest if he visits the UK. However, Emily Thornberry, Chair of the foreign affairs committee in parliament, stated categorically that the UK would be obliged to arrest Netanyahu under the Rome Convention.
Ireland, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Austria, Slovenia, and Portugal
Several European countries have stated they would comply with the ICC warrant. Ireland, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Slovenia, and Portugal confirmed they would respect the decision of the ICC and arrest Netanyahu if he entered their territory.
Hungary
In contrast, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that he would not only defy the court but has also extended an invitation to Netanyahu to visit Hungary.
Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, and France
The stance of the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, and France is currently uncertain. The Czech Republic criticised the decision, Germany is examining the implications of the decision, Italy is contemplating how to interpret the ruling, and France stated that the decision was not a judgment but the formalisation of an accusation.
While the ICC mandate implies Netanyahu and Gallant could theoretically be arrested if they travel to any of the more than 120 countries party to it, the reality appears to be more complex, with individual countries interpreting and responding to the mandate in different ways.
