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Published: February 10, 2025
The Hebrew broadcasting authority announced that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was forced to change the course of his trip to Washington to avoid passing through Canadian airspace, following the issuance of an arrest warrant against him by the International Criminal Court.
International Arrest Warrant Against Netanyahu and Gallant
According to the newspaper “Yedioth Ahronoth,” the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against Netanyahu and former Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant, demanding their prosecution for committing war crimes during the war on Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023, and ended on January 19, 2025. The charges include the indiscriminate targeting of civilians, causing a humanitarian catastrophe, and the excessive use of force in military operations.
Court Decision and Its Impact on Netanyahu's Mobility
The decision of the International Criminal Court makes Netanyahu susceptible to arrest if he enters any state party to the Rome Statute, including Canada, which is believed to comply with the arrest warrant should his flight cross its airspace. As a result, Netanyahu had to amend the course of his trip to the United States to avoid passing through Canadian airspace, amidst fears of possible detention or legal actions against him there.
Israeli and International Reactions
In the first Israeli reaction, the Prime Minister's Office refused to formally comment on the change in the flight path but affirmed that “Israel does not recognize the authority of the International Criminal Court over its officials.” Israeli government officials also described the arrest warrant as “politically motivated,” considering it “aimed at tarnishing Israel's reputation on the international stage.”
On the international stage, Palestinian and international human rights organizations welcomed the court's decision, considering it an important step towards achieving justice for Palestinian victims. The European Union and the United Nations also called for respect for the court's decisions and for their implementation in accordance with international laws.
What Could Happen Next?
• The arrest warrant could affect Netanyahu and Gallant's movements outside Israel, as they may face difficulties visiting many European countries and states that are members of the International Criminal Court.
• International pressure on Israel is likely to increase as a result of this decision, which may lead to sanctions or diplomatic restrictions on the Israeli government.
• These developments could lead to increased internal political escalation within Israel, especially amid growing criticism of Netanyahu due to his policies towards Gaza and their impact on Israel's international standing.
Conclusion
Changing the course of Netanyahu's trip to Washington is an unprecedented development that reflects the implications of the international arrest warrant against him and places Israel in a diplomatically awkward position, amidst escalating legal and political pressures against its leaders due to the war on Gaza.
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