World reacts to ICC arrest warrants for Israel’s Netanyahu, Gallant
The ICC said it had found ‘reasonable grounds’ to believe that the Israeli officials were responsible for starvation in Gaza.
Former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant (left) and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (right) addressing a cabinet meeting at the Israeli Ministry of Defence in Tel Aviv
By Tips & Tricks News Guide
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of committing "war crimes."
On Thursday, the court stated that there are "reasonable grounds" to believe Netanyahu and Gallant deliberately and knowingly deprived Gaza's civilian population of essential resources necessary for survival.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has also issued an arrest warrant for Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif, accusing him of "crimes against humanity and war crimes." Israel previously announced in August that Deif had been killed in an airstrike in southern Gaza.
ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan initially sought the warrants six months ago. In August, he urged the court to act promptly, stating, "Any unjustified delay in these proceedings detrimentally affects the rights of victims."
Since the announcement, Israeli officials have condemned the warrants. Transportation Minister Miri Regev criticized the decision, calling it "modern anti-Semitism disguised as justice."
Israel
Netanyahu’s office denounced the ICC’s decision, labeling it as “anti-Semitic” in an official statement.
“Israel rejects with disgust the absurd and baseless allegations made against it by the ICC,” the statement read, emphasizing that the country will not “succumb to pressure” while defending its citizens.
In additional remarks, the office compared the decision to “the modern-day Dreyfus trial,” referencing Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish army captain unjustly convicted of treason in France, and expressed confidence that “it will end the same way.”
Hamas
The group applauded the decision to issue arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant, describing it as a “significant step toward justice.”
“This is an important step toward justice and could provide redress for victims, but it will remain limited and symbolic unless fully supported by countries worldwide,” Hamas political bureau member Basem Naim stated.
Hamas also urged the ICC to broaden its investigation to include other Israeli officials. However, the group made no mention of the warrant issued for Mohammed Deif.
People in Gaza
Reporting from Deir el-Balah in central Gaza, Tips & Tricks News Guide noted that residents remained skeptical.
“There’s some skepticism... especially given the unwavering American support for Israel,” he said.
“People are highly skeptical about the impact of this arrest warrant, expressing concerns that it may face opposition from the U.S. administration—whether the current one or the incoming administration—which has pledged continued support for Israeli officials.”
Palestinian Authority
The Palestinian Authority, which administers the occupied West Bank, welcomed the ICC’s decision, stating it “represents hope and trust in international law and its institutions.”
It also called on ICC member states to implement “a policy of cutting ties and halting meetings” with Netanyahu and Gallant.
Jordan
Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said the ICC’s decision must be respected and implemented. “Palestinians deserve justice,” he said.
United States
The White House stated that Washington "fundamentally rejects" the ICC’s decision and expressed "deep concern" over the Prosecutor’s haste in seeking arrest warrants and the troubling procedural errors that led to this outcome.
A National Security Council spokesperson stated, "The United States has made it clear that the ICC does not have jurisdiction over this matter."
Canada
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasized, "Everyone must follow international law," and added that Canada would adhere to the rulings of international courts.
South Africa
In a statement, the government expressed its support for the ICC's decision, calling it a "significant step toward justice for crimes against humanity and war crimes in Palestine."
"South Africa reaffirms its commitment to international law and urges all state parties to fulfill their obligations under the Rome Statute," the statement continued.
"We call on the global community to uphold the rule of law and ensure accountability for human rights violations."
European Union
Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell stated that the ICC warrants were not politically motivated and should be respected and enforced.
"This is a binding decision, and all states, including all European Union members who are parties to the court, are obligated to implement it," he said.
The Netherlands
Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp stated that his country "respects the independence of the ICC."
"We will refrain from non-essential contacts and act by the arrest warrants. We fully comply with the Rome Statute of the ICC," he added.
France
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Christophe Lemoine stated that France would act "by the ICC’s statutes."
However, Lemoine refrained from commenting on whether France would arrest Netanyahu if he visited, describing the situation as "legally complex."
Norway
Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide stated, “The ICC must fulfill its mandate carefully and impartially. I have confidence that the court will handle the case according to the highest standards of a fair trial.”
Ireland
Prime Minister Simon Harris called the warrants "an extremely significant step."
He added that Ireland respects the ICC’s role and emphasized that anyone able to assist the court in carrying out its essential work must do so "urgently."
Italy
Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated that Rome would consult with its allies on how to interpret the decision and take collective action. “We support the ICC... the court must fulfill a legal role, not a political one,” he added.
Sweden
Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard stated that Sweden and the EU "support the court’s important work and uphold its independence and integrity." She also noted that Swedish law enforcement authorities are responsible for deciding whether to arrest individuals subject to ICC warrants on Swedish soil.
Hungary
Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto condemned the ICC decision, labeling it "shameful and absurd," according to presidential spokesperson Zoltan Kovacs on X.
“This decision tarnishes the international judiciary by equating the leaders of a country attacked by a horrific terrorist assault with the leaders of the terrorist organization responsible,” Szijjarto stated, adding, “Such a decision is unacceptable.”
United Kingdom
A spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that Britain respects the independence of the ICC, but did not confirm whether the country would enforce the warrants.
Austria
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg described the warrant as incomprehensible and ludicrous. However, Schallenberg's office also stated that as a party to the Rome Statute, Austria is obligated to implement ICC arrest warrants.
Switzerland
The Swiss Federal Office of Justice stated that, under the Rome Statute, it is obligated to cooperate with the ICC. Therefore, Switzerland would be required to arrest Netanyahu, Gallant, or Masri if they entered the country and initiate extradition to the court.
Argentina
President Javier Milei expressed on X that his country “deeply disagrees” with the decision.
He stated that the warrant “disregards Israel’s legitimate right to self-defense against the constant attacks by terrorist organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah.”
Turkey
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called the ICC arrest warrant a "hopeful" and crucial step toward holding Israeli authorities accountable for committing "genocide" against Palestinians.
“We will continue to work to ensure that international law is enforced to punish genocide,” Fidan added.
Amnesty International
The human rights organization stated on X that "the wheels of international justice have finally caught up with those accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Palestine and Israel."
"There can be no 'safe haven' for those alleged to have committed war crimes and crimes against humanity," it added.
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